Air conditioner

ABSTRACT

An air conditioning apparatus is provided with an adsorption element having a humidity adjusting side passageway configured to adsorb and desorb moisture by passage of adsorption air or regeneration air and a cooling side passageway through which cooling air passes so that the adsorption air is cooled by absorption of heat of adsorption generated during the adsorption in the humidity adjusting side passageway. In the air conditioning apparatus, air is humidified or dehumidified in the humidity adjusting side passageway of the adsorption element and is supplied to an indoor space. In order to achieve improvements in the cooling efficiency when cooling adsorption air by the use of cooling air in the cooling side passageway, room air, conditioned air, or mixed air which is a combination of room air and outdoor air is used as cooling air which is forced to flow through the adsorption element.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to air conditioning apparatuses andmore particularly to an air conditioning apparatus of the desiccant typewhich employs an adsorption element comprising a humidity adjusting sidepassageway capable of moisture adsorption by passage of adsorption airand moisture desorption by passage of regeneration air and a coolingside passageway through which cooling air passes for absorption of heatof adsorption generated during the adsorption in the humidity adjustingside passageway.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Air conditioning apparatuses capable of providing so-calleddesiccant air conditioning have been known in the prior art. Such adesiccant air conditioning apparatus is so configured as to perform airconditioning by controlling the humidity level of air for supply toindoor spaces. The desiccant air conditioning apparatus hasconstructional equipment including an adsorption element, a heater, acooler et cetera. The adsorption element performs moistureadsorption/desorption by passage of adsorption air or regeneration air.For example, Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. (1997)318127describes an air conditioning apparatus employing two adsorptionelements of the above-described type. In this prior art air conditioningapparatus, either a dehumidified air stream or a humidified air streamis continuously supplied to an indoor space by switching between a firststate in which moisture contained in adsorption air is adsorbed by oneof the adsorption elements simultaneously with regeneration of the otheradsorption element by regeneration air and a second state in which oneof the adsorption elements is regenerated by regeneration airsimultaneously with adsorption of moisture contained in adsorption airby the other adsorption element.

[0003] Apart from that, dehumidification of adsorption air by theadsorption element will give rise to generation of heat of adsorption.And, if the adsorption air temperature is raised, this lowers adsorptionperformance. To deal with this problem, a technical proposal of coolingthe adsorption element by the use of cooling air has been made.

[0004] Such a type of adsorption element which is made cool by coolingair is provided with a humidity adjusting side passageway through whichadsorption air or regeneration air flows and a cooling side passagewaythrough which cooling air flows. And, the cooling side passageway isconfigured so that heat of adsorption, generated when adsorption airpasses through the humidity adjusting side passageway, is absorbed bycooling air.

[0005] In the above-described air conditioning apparatus, adsorption airis forced to flow through the humidity adjusting side passageway of theadsorption element so that the adsorption air is dehumidified.Furthermore, the adsorption air thus dehumidified is cooled by a coolerfor supply to an indoor space. In this way, a cooling mode of operationis performed. At this time, cooling air flows through the cooling sidepassageway of the adsorption element, whereby the adsorption air iscooled. Thereafter, the cooling air is discharged outdoors. In addition,when large amounts of moisture are adsorbed on the adsorption elementafter the operation is carried out for a predetermined period of time,regenerating air, heated to a high temperature by the heater, is forcedto flow through the humidity adjusting side passageway. As a result, theadsorption element is regenerated.

[0006] In the conventional air conditioning apparatuses, outdoor airserves as cooling air. Because of this, cooling efficiency is low duringhot climate conditions such as summer, thereby producing the problemthat heat of adsorption in the humidity adjusting side passageway cannotbe collected in satisfactory manner. And, in such a case, the adsorptionperformance of the apparatus finally falls.

[0007] Bearing in mind that the conventional air conditioningapparatuses suffer the above-described drawbacks, the present inventionwas made. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provideimproved cooling efficiencies in the case where an adsorption element,the temperature of which is raised by heat of adsorption generated whenadsorption air flows through a humidity adjusting side passageway, iscooled by the use of cooling air.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is an air conditioning apparatus in whichroom air (RA), conditioned air (CA), or a mixed air (RA+OA) which is acombination of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) flows through anadsorption element as cooling air.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention implements a firstproblem solving means which is an air conditioning apparatus, providedwith an adsorption element (81, 82, 250) having a humidity adjustingside passageway (85) capable of moisture adsorption by passage ofadsorption air and moisture desorption by passage of regeneration airand a cooling side passageway (86) through which cooling air passes forabsorption of heat of adsorption generated during the adsorption in thehumidity adjusting side passageway (85), for supplying air, the humiditylevel of which has been adjusted in the humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82, 250), to an indoorspace.

[0010] The air conditioning apparatus according to the first problemsolving means is characterized in that the cooling air is composed ofroom air (RA).

[0011] In the first problem solving means, when adsorption air flowsthrough the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the adsorptionelement (81, 82, 250), moisture contained in the adsorption air isadsorbed onto the adsorption element (81, 82, 250). As a result, theadsorption air is dehumidified. At this time, room air (RA) flows, ascooling air, through the cooling side passageway (86) of the adsorptionelement (81, 82, 250), and heat of adsorption generated in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85) is collected by the cooling air. In otherwords, if the temperature of adsorption air is raised by heat ofadsorption thereby resulting in a decrease in relative humidity, thismakes it difficult for water vapor contained in the adsorption air toadsorb onto the adsorption element (81, 82, 250). However, by virtue ofthe arrangement that heat of adsorption is absorbed by cooling air, therise in adsorption air temperature can be suppressed, thereby securingan amount of moisture to be adsorbed onto the adsorption element (81,82, 250). In the adsorption element, the temperature at the outlet sideis higher than the temperature at the inlet side, which means that theamount of moisture adsorbable at the outlet side conventionallydiminishes. On the contrary, in accordance with the first problemsolving means, the temperature gradient from the inlet side to theoutlet side becomes small, thereby securing an amount of moisture to beadsorbed.

[0012] In addition, since room air (RA) is used as cooling air in theabove-described arrangement, this makes it possible to efficiently coolthe humidity adjusting side passageway (85) in comparison with the casewhere outdoor air (OA) is used as cooling air. On the other hand, whenthe moisture adsorption amount of the humidity adjusting side passageway(85) increases, regeneration air is made to flow through the humidityadjusting side passageway (85) so that moisture present in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85) is discharged to the regeneration air forregeneration of the adsorption element (81, 82, 250).

[0013] In addition, the present invention implements a second problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus based on the firstproblem solving means. The air conditioning apparatus of the secondproblem solving means is characterized in that the cooling air iscomposed of conditioned air (CA).

[0014] In the second problem solving means, by virtue of the use ofconditioned air (CA) as cooling air, the adsorption element (81, 82,250) can be cooled using air lower in temperature than room air (RA).Consequently, it becomes possible to improve cooling performancefurther.

[0015] In addition, the present invention provides a third problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to thefirst or second solving means. The air conditioning apparatus of thethird problem solving means is characterized in that it comprises aplurality of adsorption elements (81, 82), and is configured so that (i)a first operation in which adsorption by forcing adsorption air to flowthrough a humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the firstadsorption element (81) is carried out while simultaneously cooling byforcing cooling air to flow through a cooling side passageway (86) ofthe first adsorption element (81) is carried out and, in addition,regeneration by forcing regeneration air to flow through a humidityadjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82) iscarried out and (ii) a second operation in which adsorption by forcingadsorption air to flow through the humidity adjusting side passageway(85) of the second adsorption element (82) is carried out whilesimultaneously cooling by forcing cooling air to flow through a coolingside passageway (86) of the second adsorption element (82) is carriedout and, in addition, regeneration by forcing regeneration air to flowthrough the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the firstadsorption element (81) is carried out, are executed in alternation.

[0016] In the third problem solving means, the air conditioningapparatus is provided with at least two adsorption elements (81, 82) andthe first operation and the second operation are carried out inalternation. In the first operation, adsorption and cooling operationsfor the first adsorption element (81) are carried out while aregeneration operation for the second adsorption element (82) is carriedout. On the other hand, in the second operation, contrary to the firstoperation, adsorption and cooling operations for the second adsorptionelement (82) are carried out while a regeneration operation for thefirst adsorption element (81) is carried out. And, the operation, inwhich either air dehumidified by adsorption or air humidified byregeneration is supplied indoors, is executed continuously.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fourth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to thethird problem solving means. The air conditioning apparatus of thefourth problem solving means is characterized in that it is providedwith a switching mechanism for switching of flow channels of adsorptionair, cooling air, and regeneration air, and is so configured as toswitch between the first operation and the second operation by theoperation of the switching mechanism and by forcing the adsorptionelements (81, 82) to rotate through a predetermined angle.

[0018] In the fourth problem solving means, the air conditioningapparatus is provided with a switching mechanism. By virtue of theoperation of the switching mechanism, air flow channels in the airconditioning apparatus are switched. In the air conditioning apparatusof the present problem solving means, at the time when switching betweenthe first operation and the second operation is made, the switchingmechanism operates and the adsorption elements (81, 82) are rotated fora predetermined angle.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fifth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to thethird problem solving means. The air conditioning apparatus of the fifthproblem solving means is characterized in that it is provided with aswitching mechanism for switching of flow channels of adsorption air,cooling air, and regeneration air, and is so configured as to switchbetween the first operation and the second operation by execution of theoperation of the switching mechanism with the adsorption elements (81,82) fixed in position.

[0020] In the fifth problem solving means, the air conditioningapparatus is provided with a switching mechanism. By virtue of theoperation of the switching mechanism, air flow channels in the airconditioning apparatus are switched. In the air conditioning apparatusof the present problem solving means, at the time when switching betweenthe first operation and the second operation is made, the switchingmechanism operates. At that time, the adsorption elements (81, 82) arenot rotated, in other words they remain stationary.

[0021] In addition, the present invention provides a sixth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to eitherthe first problem solving means or the second problem solving means. Theair conditioning apparatus of the present problem solving means ischaracterized in that: the adsorption element (250) is shaped like acircular disk; humidity adjusting side passageways (85) pass completelythrough the adsorption element (250) in the thickness-wise directionthereof while cooling side passageways (86) pass completely through theadsorption element (250) in the radial direction thereof; and whilecausing the adsorption element (250) to rotate around its central axis,adsorption by introducing adsorption air into a humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85) which is formed in a portion of the adsorption element(250) is carried out simultaneously with cooling by forcing cooling airto flow through a cooling side passageway (86) in association with thehumidity adjusting side passageway (85); and, in addition, regenerationby introducing regeneration air into a humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85) that is formed in another portion of the adsorptionelement (250) is carried out. The adsorption element (250) may berotated continuously or may be rotated intermittently.

[0022] In the sixth problem solving means, an adsorption operation byintroduction of adsorption air into a humidity adjusting side passageway(85) formed in a portion of the adsorption element (250) is carried outwhile rotating the adsorption element (250) and, at the same time, acooling operation by forcing cooling air to flow through a cooling sidepassageway (86) in association with the humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85) is carried out, and, in addition, a regenerationoperation by introducing regeneration air into a humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85) formed in another portion of the adsorption element(250) is carried out. Accordingly, adsorption is carried outsimultaneously concurrently with regeneration.

[0023] The present invention provides a seventh problem solving meanswhich is an air conditioning apparatus according to the third problemsolving means. The air conditioning apparatus of the present problemsolving means is characterized in that the regeneration air is composedof air as a result of heating of cooling air.

[0024] The present invention provides an eighth problem solving meanswhich is an air conditioning apparatus according to the sixth problemsolving means. The air conditioning apparatus of the present problemsolving means is characterized in that the regeneration air is composedof air as a result of heating of cooling air.

[0025] In each of the seventh and eighth problem solving means, thecooling air, which has been heated by absorption of heat of adsorptiongenerated in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of theadsorption element (81, 82, 250), is heated further to a higher leveland is used as regeneration air for use in regeneration of theadsorption element (81, 82, 250).

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention provides a ninth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus similar to thefirst problem solving means. The air conditioning apparatus of thepresent problem solving means is characterized in that the cooling airis composed of mixed air (RA+OA) which is a combination of room air (RA)and outdoor air (OA).

[0027] In the ninth problem solving means, when adsorption air flowsthrough the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the adsorptionelement (81, 82, 250), moisture contained in the adsorption air isadsorbed onto the adsorption element (81, 82, 250). As a result, theadsorption air is dehumidified. At this time, mixed air (RA+OA) which isa combination of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) flows, as coolingair, through the cooling side passageway (86) of the adsorption element(81, 82, 250), and heat of adsorption generated in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85) is collected by the cooling air. In otherwords, the arrangement that heat of adsorption is absorbed by coolingair suppress the rise in adsorption air temperature and reduces the dropin relative humidity, thereby securing amounts of moisture to beadsorbed onto the adsorption element (81, 82, 250), as in the first andsecond problem solving means.

[0028] Furthermore, the present invention provides a tenth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to theninth problem solving means. The air conditioning apparatus of thepresent problem solving means is characterized in that it comprises aplurality of adsorption elements (81, 82), and is configured so that (i)a first operation in which adsorption by forcing adsorption air to flowthrough a humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the firstadsorption element (81) is carried out while simultaneously cooling byforcing cooling air to flow through a cooling side passageway (86) ofthe first adsorption element (81) is carried out and, in addition,regeneration by forcing regeneration air to flow through a humidityadjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82) iscarried out and (ii) a second operation in which adsorption by forcingadsorption air to flow through the humidity adjusting side passageway(85) of the second adsorption element (82) is carried out whilesimultaneously cooling by forcing cooling air to flow through a coolingside passageway (86) of the second adsorption element (82) is carriedout and, in addition, regeneration by forcing regeneration air to flowthrough the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the firstadsorption element (81) is carried out, are executed in alternation.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention provides an eleventh problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to thetenth problem solving means. The air conditioning apparatus of thepresent problem solving means is characterized in that it comprises aswitching mechanism for switching of flow channels of adsorption air,cooling air, and regeneration air, and that the air conditioningapparatus is so configured as to switch between the first operation andthe second operation by the operation of the switching mechanism and byforcing the adsorption elements (81, 82) to rotate through apredetermined angle.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention provides a twelfth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to thetenth problem solving means. The air conditioning apparatus of thepresent problem solving means is characterized in that it comprises aswitching mechanism for switching of flow channels of adsorption air,cooling air, and regeneration air, and that the air conditioningapparatus is so configured as to switch between the first operation andthe second operation by execution of the operation of the switchingmechanism with the adsorption elements (81, 82) fixed in position.

[0031] In each of the tenth to twelfth problem solving means, the airconditioning apparatus is provided with at least two adsorption elements(81, 82) and the first operation and the second operation are carriedout in alternation. In the first operation, adsorption and coolingoperations for the first adsorption element (81) are carried out while aregeneration operation for the second adsorption element (82) is carriedout. On the other hand, in the second operation, contrary to the firstoperation, adsorption and cooling operations for the second adsorptionelement (82) are carried out while a regeneration operation for thefirst adsorption element (81) is carried out. And, the operation, inwhich either air dehumidified by adsorption or air humidified byregeneration is supplied indoors, is executed continuously.

[0032] The concrete running operations of the eleventh and twelfthproblem solving means are the same as the fourth and fifth problemsolving means.

[0033] In addition, the present invention provides a thirteenth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to theninth problem solving means. The air conditioning apparatus of thepresent problem solving means is characterized in that: the adsorptionelement (250) is shaped like a circular disk; humidity adjusting sidepassageways (85) pass completely through the adsorption element (250) inthe thickness-wise direction thereof while cooling side passageways (86)pass completely through the adsorption element (250) in the radialdirection thereof; while causing the adsorption element (250) to rotatearound its central axis, adsorption by introducing adsorption air into ahumidity adjusting side passageway (85) which is formed in a portion ofthe adsorption element (250) is carried out simultaneously with coolingby forcing cooling air to flow through a cooling side passageway (86) inassociation with the humidity adjusting side passageway (85); and, inaddition, regeneration by introducing regeneration air into a humidityadjusting side passageway (85) that is formed in another portion of theadsorption element (250) is carried out.

[0034] In the thirteenth problem solving means, an adsorption operationby introduction of adsorption air into a humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85) formed in a portion of the adsorption element (250) iscarried out while rotating the adsorption element (250) and, at the sametime, a cooling operation by forcing cooling air to flow through acooling side passageway (86) in association with the humidity adjustingside passageway (85) is carried out, and, in addition, a regenerationoperation by introducing regeneration air into a humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85) formed in another portion of the adsorption element(250) is carried out. Accordingly, adsorption is carried outsimultaneously concurrently with regeneration, as in the sixth problemsolving means.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fourteenth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to anyone of the ninth to thirteenth problem solving means. The airconditioning apparatus of the present problem solving means ischaracterized in that the cooling air is composed of a mixture as aresult of mixing of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) at apredetermined mixing rate according to the temperature of the room air(RA) and the temperature of the outdoor air (OA).

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fifteenth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to anyone of the ninth to thirteenth problem solving means. The airconditioning apparatus of the present problem solving means ischaracterized in that the cooling air is composed of a mixture as aresult of mixing of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) at apredetermined mixing rate according to the temperature of the room air(RA) and the temperature of indoor supply air (SA).

[0037] In each of the fourteenth and fifteenth problem solving means, itis possible to make adjustments to the cooling performance by varyingthe mixing rate at which the room air (RA) and the outdoor air (OA) aremixed together.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention provides a sixteenth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to anyone of the ninth to thirteenth problem solving means. The airconditioning apparatus of the present problem solving means ischaracterized in that the cooling air is composed of a mixture as aresult of mixing of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) at apredetermined mixing rate according to the humidity of the room air (RA)and the humidity of the outdoor air (OA).

[0039] For example, in the case where cooling air is heated to serve asregeneration air, cooling ability falls if high-humidity air is used atthe regeneration side. However, in accordance with the sixteenth problemsolving means, it becomes possible to achieve regeneration by the use ofhumidity-adjusted air, thereby preventing regeneration ability fromdropping to a lower level.

[0040] Finally, the present invention provides a seventeenth problemsolving means which is an air conditioning apparatus according to eitherthe tenth problem solving means or the thirteenth problem solving means.The air conditioning apparatus of the present problem solving means ischaracterized in that the regeneration air is composed of air as aresult of heating of cooling air.

[0041] In the seventeenth problem solving means, the cooling air, whichhas been heated by absorption of heat of adsorption generated in thehumidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element(81), is heated further to a higher level and is introduced, asregeneration air, into the second adsorption element (82) for use inregeneration of the second adsorption element (82).

[0042] Effects

[0043] In accordance with the first problem solving means, room air (RA)is used as cooling air. As a result of such arrangement, heat ofadsorption, generated when adsorption air flows through the humidityadjusting side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82, 250),is collected efficiently by the cooling air, and cooling efficiency isimproved further in comparison with the case where outdoor air (OA) isused as cooling air. Accordingly, adsorption performance is preventedfrom dropping to a lower level.

[0044] For example, when room air (RA) is high in temperature but is lowin humidity while outdoor air (OA) is low in temperature but is high inhumidity, the amount of adsorption should be increased by gainingcooling effects if only the outdoor air (OA) is used as cooling air. Inthis case, however, if air as a result of heating of cooling air is usedas regeneration air, this causes a drop in the amount of adsorptionbecause the air is humid. In addition, if outdoor air (OA) whosetemperature is too low when the climate is extremely cold is used ascooling air, this may result in insufficient regeneration or may causeCOP to fall to a lower level because the regeneration temperature has tobe raised. Contrary to this, if the room air (RA) is used as coolingair, these problems are eliminated.

[0045] In addition, in accordance with the second problem solving means,conditioned air (CA) is used as cooling air, thereby making it possibleto cool the adsorption element (81, 82, 250) with air much lower intemperature than room air (RA). Because of such arrangement, coolingperformance is enhanced to a further extent, thereby ensuring that thedrop in adsorption performance due to the generation of heat ofadsorption at adsorption time is avoided.

[0046] Furthermore, in accordance with the third to eighth problemsolving means, an air conditioning apparatus which uses either room air(RA) or conditioned air (CA) as cooling air to be flowed through theadsorption element (81, 82, 250) is embodied concretely.

[0047] In addition, in accordance with the ninth problem-solving means,mixed air (RA+OA) which is a combination of room air (RA) and outdoorair (OA) is used as cooling air, which makes it possible to improvecooling performance to a further extent in comparison with the casewhere only outdoor air (OA) is used as cooling air.

[0048] The tenth to thirteenth problem solving means provide the sameeffects as do the third to sixth problem solving means.

[0049] In addition, the fourteenth and fifteenth problem solving meanseach make it possible to adjust cooling efficiency by variation inmixing rate of the room air (RA) and the outdoor air (OA). For example,in the case where either one of outdoor air (OA) and room air (RA) isused as cooling air and, in addition, the cooling air is heated so thatit serves as regeneration air as in the seventeenth problem solvingmeans, it is possible to increase cooling efficiency if the cooling airtemperature is low, but on the other hand such arrangement results in adrop in COP. Contrary to this, if mixed air (RA+OA) as a result ofmixing of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) is used and the mixing ratethereof is varied, this makes it possible to maintain a balance betweenthe cooling efficiency and the regeneration efficiency. Both the casewhere the mixing rate is determined based on the difference between thetemperature of outdoor air (OA) and the temperature of room air (RA) andthe case where the mixing rate is determined based on the differencebetween the temperature of indoor supply air (SA) and the temperature ofroom air (RA) provide the same effects. Stated another way, in theseproblem solving means, the outdoor air (OA) and the indoor supply air(SA) act substantially equivalently.

[0050] In the case where cooling air is heated to serve as regenerationair, cooling ability falls if high-humidity air is used at theregeneration side. However, in accordance with the sixteenth problemsolving means, it becomes possible to achieve regeneration by the use ofhumidity-adjusted air, thereby preventing regeneration ability fromdropping to a lower level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0051]FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a constructionalarrangement of an air conditioning apparatus according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

[0052]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a rotary damper ofthe air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0053]FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an adsorptionelement of the air conditioning apparatus according to the firstembodiment;

[0054]FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing principal parts of theair conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0055]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view describing a firstoperation in a dehumidification operating mode of the air conditioningapparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0056]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view describing a secondoperation in the dehumidification operating mode of the air conditioningapparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0057]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view describing a firstoperation in a humidification operating mode of the air conditioningapparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0058]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view describing a secondoperation in the humidification operating mode of the air conditioningapparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0059]FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration showing the action of anadsorption element;

[0060]FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a constructionalarrangement of an air conditioning apparatus according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

[0061]FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing principal parts of theair conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment;

[0062]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view describing a firstoperation in a dehumidification operating mode of the air conditioningapparatus according to the second embodiment;

[0063]FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view describing a secondoperation in the dehumidification operating mode of the air conditioningapparatus according to the second embodiment;

[0064]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view describing a firstoperation in a humidification operating mode of the air conditioningapparatus according to the second embodiment;

[0065]FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view describing a secondoperation in the humidification operating mode of the air conditioningapparatus according to the second embodiment;

[0066]FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view describing operations inan outside air cooling operating mode of the air conditioning apparatusaccording to the second embodiment;

[0067]FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing an adsorptionelement of an air conditioning apparatus according to a third embodimentof the present invention;

[0068]FIG. 18 is a schematic constructional diagram showing aconstructional arrangement of the air conditioning apparatus accordingto the third embodiment; and

[0069]FIG. 19 is a diagram showing air volume control examples in theair conditioning apparatus.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

[0070] Embodiment 1

[0071] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawing figures. In thedescription, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “frontside (near side)”, and “rear side (far side)” are used to indicateposition. These positional terms should be understood on the basis ofthe direction of the drawings referred to in the description.

[0072] An air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodimentof the present invention is so constructed as to operate switchablybetween a dehumidification operating mode in which outdoor air (OA)dehumidified and cooled is supplied to an indoor space and ahumidification operating mode in which outdoor air (OA) heated andhumidified is supplied to an indoor space. Furthermore, the airconditioning apparatus contains two adsorption elements (81, 82), and isconstructed so that it performs a so-called batch operation.

[0073] In the first place, a constructional arrangement of the airconditioning apparatus of the present embodiment will be described withreference to FIGS. 1-5. The air conditioning apparatus has a somewhatflat, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped casing (10), as shown in FIGS. 1and 5. The casing (10) houses, in addition to the foregoing twoadsorption elements (81, 82), four rotary dampers (71, 72, 73, 74) and asingle refrigerant circuit. FIG. 1 omits diagrammatic representation ofthe rotary dampers (71-74).

[0074] As shown in FIG. 2, the rotary damper (71-74) comprises an endsurface portion (75) shaped like a circular disk and a peripheral sideportion (76) extending perpendicularly from an outer periphery of theend surface portion (75). The end surface portion (75) is partiallynotched into a fan shape the central angle of which is 90 degrees.Additionally, a part of the peripheral side portion (76) correspondingto the notched part of the end surface portion (75) is also notched. Thenotched part of the end surface portion (75) and the notched part of theperipheral side portion (76) form a notched opening (77) of the rotarydamper (71-74). Each rotary damper (71-74) is formed rotatably around anaxis passing through the center of the end surface portion (75). And,the rotary damper (71-74) constitutes a switching mechanism forswitching air flow routes.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, each adsorption element (81, 82) comprisesalternating laminations of square-shaped flat plate members (83) andcorrugated plate members (84). These corrugated plate members (84) arelaminated in such orientation that each corrugated plate member (84) isout of alignment in ridgeline direction by an angle of 90 degrees fromits neighboring corrugated plate member (84). And, the adsorptionelement (81, 82) is formed into a square column shape. In other words,each of the end surfaces of the adsorption element (81, 82) is formedinto the same square shape as the flat plate member (83).

[0076] In the adsorption element (81, 82), humidity adjusting sidepassageways (85) and cooling side passageways (86) are divisionallyformed in alternation in a direction in which the flat plate members(83) and the corrugated plate members (84) are placed one upon theother, facing each other across the respective flat plate members (83).The humidity adjusting side passageway (85) opens in a pair of oppositeside surfaces of the adsorption element (81, 82), while the cooling sidepassageway (86) opens in another pair of opposite side surfaces of theadsorption element (81, 82). Surfaces of the flat plate members (83)that face the humidity adjusting side passageways (85) and surfaces ofthe corrugated plate members (84) disposed in the humidity adjustingside passageways (85) are coated with an adsorbent capable of watervapor adsorption. As the adsorbent, silica gel, zeolite, ion exchangeresin, et cetera may be used. The humidity adjusting side passageway(85) adsorbs moisture by the passage of adsorption air and desorbsmoisture by the passage of regeneration air, and cooling air passesthrough the cooling side passageway so that heat of adsorption generatedduring the adsorption in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) isabsorbed.

[0077] The refrigerant circuit is a closed circuit as a result of pipingconnection of a compressor (91), a regenerative heat exchanger (92)which operates as a condenser, an expansion valve which operates as anexpansion mechanism, a first cooling heat exchanger (93) which operatesas an evaporator, and a second cooling heat exchanger (94) whichoperates as an evaporator. The regenerative heat exchanger (92)constitutes a heater. Diagrammatic representation of the entirearrangement of the refrigerant circuit and the expansion valve isomitted.

[0078] The refrigerant circuit is so constructed as to perform a vaporcompression refrigeration cycle by circulation of a refrigerant chargedtherein. Furthermore, the first cooling heat exchanger (93) and thesecond cooling heat exchanger (94) are connected in parallel in therefrigerant circuit. And, the refrigerant circuit is so constructed asto operate switchably between an operation in which only the firstcooling heat exchanger (93) serves as an evaporator with no introductionof refrigerant into the second cooling heat exchanger (94), and anoperation in which only the second cooling heat exchanger (94) operatesas an evaporator with no introduction of refrigerant into the firstcooling heat exchanger (93).

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the casing (10) is provided with anoutdoor side panel (11) which is a nearest side situated panel, and anindoor side panel (12) which is a farthest side situated panel. An airsupply side inlet (13) is formed in an upper-right corner of the outdoorside panel (11). An air discharge side outlet (16) is formed to thebottom left of the outdoor side panel (11). On the other hand, an airsupply side outlet (14) is formed in a lower-right corner of the indoorside panel (12), and an air discharge side inlet (15) is formed in anupper-left corner of the indoor side panel (12).

[0080] Housed in the casing (10) are four partition plates (21, 24, 34,31). These partition plates (21, 24, 34, 31) are standingly arranged inthat order from near to far side, dividing an interior space of thecasing (10) front-to-rear. In addition, each of these internal spaces ofthe casing (10) divided by the partition plates (21, 24, 34, 31) isfurther divided into an upper space and a lower space.

[0081] Divisionally formed between the outdoor side panel (11) and thefirst partition plate (21) are an upper-situated, first upper flow path(41) and a lower-situated, first lower flow path (42). The first upperflow path (41) communicates with an outdoor space through the air supplyside inlet (13). The first lower flow path (42) communicates with theoutdoor space through the air discharge side outlet (16). The firstcooling heat exchanger (93) is disposed in the first lower flow path(42). In addition, the compressor (91) is disposed to the left of aspace defined between the outdoor side panel (11) and the firstpartition panel (21).

[0082] The two rotary dampers (71, 72) are arranged side by side, in alateral row, between the first partition plate (21) and the secondpartition plate (24). More specifically, the first rotary damper (71) isdisposed to the right and the second rotary damper (72) is disposed tothe left. The rotary dampers (71, 72) are disposed in such orientationthat their respective end surface portions (75) face in the direction ofthe second partition plate (24). In addition, the rotary dampers (71,72) are arranged such that they rotate while being in contact with boththe first partition plate (21) and the second partition plate (24).

[0083] The space between the first partition plate (21) and the secondpartition plate (24) is divided into an upper space and a lower space.Each of the upper and lower spaces is further divided, by the first andsecond rotary dampers (71, 72), into three sections. Divisionally formedon the right side of the first rotary damper (71) are an upper-situated,second upper-right flow path (43) and a lower-situated, secondlower-right flow path (44). Divisionally formed between the first rotarydamper (71) and the second rotary damper (72) are an upper-situated,second upper-central flow path (45) and a lower-situated, secondlower-central flow path (46). Further, divisionally formed on the leftside of the second rotary damper (72) are an upper-situated, secondupper-left flow path (47) and a lower-situated, second lower-left flowpath (48).

[0084] The first partition plate (21) is provided with the following twoopenings (22) and (23). The first right side opening (22) which isopened on the right side is a circular opening formed at a positioncorresponding to the first rotary damper (71). The first left sideopening (23) which is opened on the left side is a circular openingformed at a position corresponding to the second rotary damper (72). Thefirst right side opening (22) and the first left side opening (23) areeach provided with an opening/closing shutter. By virtue of theoperation of these opening/closing shutters, each of the first rightside opening (22) and the first left side opening (23) is allowed toswitch between a state in which only an upper half portion of theopening area is placed in the open state, and a state in which only alower half portion of the opening area is placed in the open state. Eachopening/closing shutter constitutes a switching mechanism.

[0085] The two adsorption elements (81, 82) are arranged, in a lateralrow, between the second partition plate (24) and the third partitionplate (34). More specifically, the first adsorption element (81) isdisposed to the right and the second adsorption element (82) is disposedto the left. These adsorption elements (81, 82) are arranged in parallelin such orientation that their respective longitudinal directionscorrespond to the longitudinal direction of the casing (10). Inaddition, as shown in FIG. 4, the adsorption elements (81, 82) aredisposed in such orientation that their end surfaces each form a rhombicshape as a result of rotation of a square shape for an angle of 45degrees. In other words, the adsorption elements (81, 82) are disposedin such orientation that one end-surface diagonal line of the adsorptionelement (81) is collinear with its corresponding end-surface diagonalline of the adsorption element (82). Furthermore, each of the adsorptionelements (81, 82) is formed rotatably on an axis passing through itsend-surface center.

[0086] The space between the second partition plate (24) and the thirdpartition plate (34) is divided into an upper space and a lower space.Each of the upper and lower spaces is further divided, by the first andsecond adsorption elements (81, 82), into three sections. In otherwords, divisionally formed on the right side of the first adsorptionelement (81) are an upper-situated, third upper-right flow path (51) anda lower-situated, third lower-right flow path (52). An upper-situated,third upper-central flow path (53) and a lower-situated, thirdlower-central flow path (54) are divisionally formed between the firstadsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82).Divisionally formed on the left side of the second adsorption element(82) are an upper-situated, third upper-left flow path (55) and alower-situated, third lower-left flow path (56). The third lower-centralflow path (54) constitutes an air flow path for regeneration. Theregenerative heat exchanger (92) of the refrigerant circuit is disposedin such orientation that it crosses the third lower-central flow path(54).

[0087] The second partition plate (24) is provided with the followingfive openings. The second upper-right opening (25) opening in anupper-right corner of the second partition plate (24) establishescommunication between the second upper-right flow path (43) and thethird upper-right flow path (51). The second lower-right opening (26)opening in a lower-right corner establishes communication between thesecond lower-right flow path (44) and the third lower-right flow path(52). The second central opening (27) opening in an upper-centralportion establishes communication between the second upper-central flowpath (45) and the third upper-central flow path (53). The secondupper-left opening (28) opening at an upper-left corner establishescommunication between the second upper-left flow path (47) and the thirdupper-left flow path (55). Finally, the second lower-left opening (29)opening at a lower-left corner establishes communication between thesecond lower-left flow path (48) and the third lower-left flow path(56).

[0088] The second upper-right opening (25), the second lower-rightopening (26), the second central opening (27), the second upper-leftopening (28), and the second lower-left opening (29) are each providedwith an opening/closing shutter. By virtue of the operation of theopening/closing shutters, the second upper-right opening (25), thesecond lower-right opening (26), the second central opening (27), thesecond upper-left opening (28), and the second lower-left opening (29)are each allowed to switch between a communicating state and a shutoffstate. Each opening/closing shutter constitutes an opening/closingmechanism.

[0089] The two rotary dampers (73, 74) are arranged, in a lateral row,between the third partition plate (34) and the fourth partition plate(31). More specifically, the third rotary damper (73) is disposed to theright and the fourth rotary damper (74) is disposed to the left. Therotary dampers (73, 74) are disposed in such orientation that theirrespective end surface portions (75) face in the direction of the thirdpartition plate (34). In addition, the rotary dampers (73, 74) arearranged such that they rotate while being in contact with both thethird partition plate (34) and the fourth partition plate (31).

[0090] The space between the third partition plate (34) and the fourthpartition plate (31) is divided into an upper space and a lower space.Each of the upper and lower spaces is further divided, by the third andfourth rotary dampers (73, 74), into three sections. In other words,divisionally formed on the right side of the third rotary damper (73)are an upper-situated, fourth upper-right flow path (63) and alower-situated, fourth lower-right flow path (64). An upper-situated,fourth upper-central flow path (65) and a lower-situated, fourthlower-central flow path (66) are divisionally formed between the thirdrotary damper (73) and the fourth rotary damper (74). Divisionallyformed on the left side of the fourth rotary damper (74) are anupper-situated, fourth upper-left flow path (67) and a lower-situated,fourth lower-left flow path (68).

[0091] The third partition plate (34) is provided with the followingfive openings. The third upper-right opening (35) opening in anupper-right corner of the third partition plate (34) establishescommunication between the third upper-right flow path (51) and thefourth upper-right flow path (63). The third lower-right opening (36)opening at a lower-right corner establishes communication between thethird lower-right flow path (52) and the fourth lower-right flow path(64). The third central opening (37) opening in an upper central portionestablishes communication between the third upper-central flow path (53)and the fourth upper-central flow path (65). The third upper-leftopening (38) opening in an upper-left corner establishes communicationbetween the third upper-left flow path (55) and the fourth upper-leftflow path (67). Finally, the third lower-left opening (39) opening in alower-left corner establishes communication between the third lower-leftflow path (56) and the fourth lower-left flow path (68).

[0092] The third upper-right opening (35), the third lower-right opening(36), the third central opening (37), the third upper-left opening (38),and the third lower-left opening (39) are each provided with anopening/closing shutter. By virtue of the operation of theopening/closing shutters, the third upper-right opening (35), the thirdlower-right opening (36), the third central opening (37), the thirdupper-left opening (38), and the third lower-left opening (39) are eachallowed to switch between a communicating state and a shutoff state.Each opening/closing shutter constitutes an opening/closing mechanism.

[0093] The fourth partition plate (31) is provided with the followingtwo openings. The fourth right side opening (32) opening on the rightside is a circular opening which is formed at a position correspondingto the third rotary damper (73). The fourth left side opening (33)opening on the left side is a circular opening which is formed at aposition corresponding to the fourth rotary damper (74). The fourthright side opening (32) and the fourth left side opening (33) are eachprovided with an opening/closing shutter. By virtue of the operation ofthe opening/closing shutters, the fourth right side opening (32) and thefourth left side opening (33) are each allowed to switch between a statein which only an upper half portion of the opening area is placed in theopen state, and a state in which only a lower half portion of theopening area is placed in the open state. Each opening/closing shutterconstitutes an opening/closing mechanism.

[0094] Divisionally formed between the fourth partition plate (31) andthe indoor side panel (12) are an upper-situated, fifth upper flow path(61) and a lower-situated, fifth lower flow path (62). The fifth upperflow path (61) is brought into communication with an indoor space by theair discharge side inlet (15). The fifth upper flow path (61) isprovided with an air discharge fan (96). On the other hand, the fifthlower flow path (62) is brought into communication with the indoor spaceby the air supply side outlet (14). The fifth lower flow path (62) isprovided with an air supply fan (95) and a second cooling heat exchanger(94).

[0095] Running Operation

[0096] The basic operation of the adsorption elements (81, 82) will bedescribed first and then the running operation of the above-describedair conditioning apparatus will be described more particularly.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 9, a stream of adsorption air is flowingthrough the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) and a stream ofcooling air is flowing through the cooling side passageway (86) in theadsorption element (81, 82). In this state, moisture contained in theadsorption air is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the humidity adjustingside passageway (85). As a result, the adsorption air is dehumidified.At this time, heat of adsorption is generated. However, the heat ofadsorption is collected by the cooing air flowing through the coolingside passageway (86).

[0098] Here, if outdoor air (OA) is used as cooling air, there is a dropin cooling effect when the outside temperature is high. This results ina rise in temperature of the adsorption element (81, 82), thereby makingit impossible to gain a sufficient amount of moisture removal.Especially the temperature gradient of the adsorption air from inletside to outlet side increases, as a result of which the amount ofmoisture removal at the outlet side tends to become insufficient. On thecontrary, when air lower in temperature than the outdoor air (OA) isused as cooling air, the temperature rise on the adsorption side issuppressed. As a result, especially the temperature gradient from inletside to outlet side decreases, thereby making it possible to gain asufficient amount of moisture removal.

[0099] For example, room air (RA) may be used as cooling air. Inaddition, conditioned air (CA) cooled by a cooler indicated by brokenline can be used as cooling air. Since the use of the conditioned air(CA) makes it possible for the adsorption element (81, 82) to be cooledby air lower in temperature than the room air (RA), the cooling effectis enhanced to a further extent, thereby making it possible to gain asufficient amount of moisture removal.

[0100] In addition, a stream of mixed air (RA+OA), i.e., a combinationof room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA), may be used as cooling air. Therunning operation of the foregoing air conditioning apparatus, when themixed air (RA+OA) which is a combination of room air (RA) and outdoorair (OA) is used as cooling air, will be described more particularly,with reference to FIGS. 4-8. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematicallyillustrating portions between the second partition plate (24) and thethird partition plate (34) in the casing (10).

[0101] Dehumidification Operating Mode

[0102] During the dehumidification operating mode, outdoor air (OA) isdehumidified and then is supplied into an indoor space while heat ofadsorption, generated in the adsorption element (81, 82) whendehumidifying the outdoor air (OA), is collected by mixed air (RA+OA)which is a combination of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) and then isdischarged.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the air supply fan (95) isactivated in the dehumidification operating mode, outdoor air (OA) istaken into the inside of the casing (10) through the air supply sideinlet (13). The outdoor air (OA) flows, as first air which constitutesadsorption air, into the first upper flow path (41). On the other hand,when the air discharge fan (96) is activated, mixed air (RA+OA) which isa combination of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) is taken into theinside of the casing (10) through the air discharge side inlet (15). Themixed air (RA+OA) flows, as second air which constitutes cooling air andregeneration air, into the fifth upper flow path (61).

[0104] Furthermore, during the dehumidification operating mode,refrigeration cycles are carried out in the refrigerant circuit, inwhich the regenerative heat exchanger (92) operates as a condenser andthe second cooling heat exchanger (94) operates as an evaporator. Statedanother way, no refrigerant flows in the first cooling heat exchanger(93) in the dehumidification operating mode. And, the dehumidificationoperating mode of the air conditioning apparatus is performed byrepeating first and second operations in alternation.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 5, the first operation of the dehumidificationoperating mode will be described. In the first operation, an adsorptionoperation and a cooling operation for the first adsorption element (81)are carried out while a regeneration operation for the second adsorptionelement (82) is carried out. Stated another way, during the firstoperation, air is dehumidified in the first adsorption element (81) andthe element (81) is cooled while simultaneously the adsorbent of thesecond adsorption element (82) is regenerated.

[0106] In addition, in the first operation, the second upper-rightopening (25), the second central opening (27), and the second lower-leftopening (29) are placed in the closed state in the second partitionplate (24). Furthermore, the third lower-right opening (36), the thirdupper-left opening (38), and the third lower-left opening (39) areplaced in the closed state in the third partition plate (34).

[0107] An upper half portion of the first right side opening (22) isplaced in the open state. The notched opening (77) of the first rotarydamper (71) is oriented such that it is located lower-right and opens tothe second lower-right flow path (44). The second lower-right opening(26) of the second partition plate (24) is in the communicating state.In this state, the first air, which has flowed into the first upper flowpath (41), passes through the first right side opening (22), the insideof the first rotary damper (71), the second lower-right flow path (44),and the second lower-right opening (26) in that order, and flows intothe third lower-right flow path (52).

[0108] An upper half portion of the fourth right side opening (32) isplaced in the open state. The notched opening (77) of the third rotarydamper (73) is oriented such that it is located upper-right and opens tothe fourth upper-right flow path (63). The third upper-right opening(35) of the third partition plate (34) is in the communicating state. Inthis state, the second air, which has flowed into the fifth upper flowpath (61), passes through the fourth right side opening (32), the insideof the third rotary damper (73), the fourth upper-right flow path (63),and the third upper-right opening (35) in that order, and flows into thethird upper-right flow path (51).

[0109] The humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the firstadsorption element (81) is in communication with the third lower-rightflow path (52) as well as with the third upper-central flow path (53).The cooling side passageway (86) of the first adsorption element (81) isin communication with the third upper-right flow path (51) as well aswith the third lower-central flow path (54). On the other hand, thehumidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element(82) is in communication with the third lower-central flow path (54) aswell as with the third upper-left flow path (55). The cooling sidepassageway (86) of the second adsorption element (82) is incommunication with the third upper-central flow path (53) as well aswith the third lower-left flow path (56).

[0110] As also shown in FIG. 4A, in this state the first air flows, asadsorption air, into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of thefirst adsorption element (81) from the third lower-right flow path (52).During the flow through the humidity adjusting side passageway (85),water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed onto the adsorbent.The first air thus dehumidified in the humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85) flows into the third upper-central flow path (53).

[0111] On the other hand, the second air flows into the cooling sidepassageway (86) of the first adsorption element (81) from the thirdupper-right flow path (51). During the flow through the cooling sidepassageway (86), the second air absorbs heat of adsorption generatedwhen the water vapor is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85). In other words, the second air flows, ascooling air, through the cooling side passageway (86). The second air,which has robbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the thirdlower-central flow path (54). During the flow through the thirdlower-central flow path (54), the second air passes through theregenerative heat exchanger (92). In the regenerative heat exchanger(92), the second air is subjected to heat exchange with refrigerant andabsorbs heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

[0112] The second air heated by the first adsorption element (81) andthe regenerative heat exchanger (92) is introduced into the humidityadjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82). Inthe humidity adjusting side passageway (85), the adsorbent is heated bythe second air and, as a result, water vapor is desorbed from theadsorbent. In other words, the adsorbent is regenerated. Then, the watervapor desorbed from the adsorbent flows, together with the second air,into the third upper-left flow path (55).

[0113] The third central opening (37) of the third partition plate (34)is in the communicating state. The notched opening (77) of the fourthrotary damper (74) is oriented such that it is located upper-right andopens to the fourth upper-central flow path (65). A lower half portionof the fourth left side opening (33) is in the open state. In thisstate, the first air dehumidified by the first adsorption element (81)passes through the third upper-central flow path (53), the third centralopening (37), the fourth upper-central flow path (65), the inside of thefourth rotary damper (74), and the fourth left side opening (33) in thatorder, and flows into the fifth lower flow path (62).

[0114] During the flow through the fifth lower flow path (62), the firstair passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). In the secondcooling heat exchanger (94), the first air is subjected to heat exchangewith refrigerant and liberates heat to the refrigerant. And, the firstair dehumidified and cooled passes through the air supply side outlet(14) and is supplied indoors.

[0115] The second upper-left opening (28) of the second partition plate(24) is in the communicating state. The notched opening (77) of thesecond rotary damper (72) is oriented such that it is located upper-leftand opens to the second upper-left flow path (47). A lower half portionof the first left side opening (23) is in the open state. In this state,the second air, which has flowed out of the second adsorption element(82), passes through the third upper-left flow path (55), the secondupper-left opening (28), the second upper-left flow path (47), theinside of the second rotary damper (72), and the first left side opening(23) in that order, and flows into the first lower flow path (42).

[0116] During the flow through the first lower flow path (42), thesecond air passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). At thistime, no refrigerant is flowing through the first cooling heat exchanger(93). Accordingly, the second air just passes through the first coolingheat exchanger (93), in other words the second air neither absorbs norliberates heat. Thereafter, the second air passes through the airdischarge side outlet (16) and is discharged outdoors.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 6, the second operation of the dehumidificationoperating mode will be described. In the second operation, an adsorptionoperation and a cooling operation for the second adsorption element (82)are carried out while a regeneration operation for the first adsorptionelement (81) is carried out. In other words, during the secondoperation, air is dehumidified in the second adsorption element (82) andthe element (82) is cooled while simultaneously the absorbent of thefirst adsorption element (81) is regenerated.

[0118] In addition, in the second operation, the second lower-rightopening (26), the second central opening (27), and the second upper-leftopening (28) are closed in the second partition plate (24). Furthermore,the third upper-right opening (35), the third lower-right opening (36),and the third lower-left opening (39) are closed in the third partitionplate (34).

[0119] An upper half portion of the first left side opening (23) isplaced in the open state. The notched opening (77) of the second rotarydamper (72) is oriented such that it is located lower-left and opens tothe second lower-left flow path (48). The second lower-left opening (29)of the second partition plate (24) is in the communicating state. Inthis communicating state, the first air, which has flowed into the firstupper flow path (41), passes through the first left side opening (23),the inside of the second rotary damper (72), the second lower-left flowpath (48), and the second lower-left opening (29) in that order, andflows into the third lower-left flow path (56).

[0120] An upper half portion of the fourth left side opening (33) isplaced in the open state. The notched opening (77) of the fourth rotarydamper (74) is oriented such that it is located upper-left and opens tothe fourth upper-left flow path (67). The third upper-left opening (38)of the third partition plate (34) is in the communicating state. In thiscommunicating state, the second air, which has flowed into the fifthupper flow path (61), passes through the fourth left side opening (33),the inside of the fourth rotary damper (74), the fourth upper-left flowpath (67), and the third upper-left opening (38) in that order, andflows into the third upper-left flow path (55).

[0121] At the time of switching from the first operation to the secondoperation, the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorptionelement (82) are rotated through an angle of 90 degrees (see FIG. 4B).And, the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the secondadsorption element (82) is in communication with the third lower-leftflow path (56) as well as with the third upper-central flow path (53).The cooling side passageway (86) of the second adsorption element (82)is in communication with the third upper-left flow path (55) as well aswith the third lower-central flow path (54). On the other hand, thehumidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element(81) is in communication with the third lower-central flow path (54) aswell as with the third upper-right flow path (51). The cooling sidepassageway (86) of the first adsorption element (81) is in communicationwith the third upper-central flow path (53) as well as with the thirdlower-right flow path (52).

[0122] As also shown in FIG. 4C, in this state, the first air flows, asadsorption air, into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of thesecond adsorption element (82) from the third lower-left flow path (56).During the flow through the humidity adjusting side passageway (85),water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed onto the adsorbent.The first air dehumidified in the humidity adjusting side passageway(85) flows into the third upper-central flow path (53).

[0123] On the other hand, the second air flows into the cooling sidepassageway (86) of the second adsorption element (82) from the thirdupper-left flow path (55). During the flow through the cooling sidepassageway (86), the second air absorbs heat of adsorption generatedwhen the water vapor is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85). Stated another way, the second airflows, as cooling air, through the cooling side passageway (86). Thesecond air, which has robbed the heat of adsorption, flows into thethird lower-central flow path (54). During the flow through the thirdlower-central flow path (54), the second air passes through theregenerative heat exchanger (92). In the regenerative heat exchanger(92), the second air is subjected to heat exchange with refrigerant andabsorbs heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

[0124] The second air heated in the second adsorption element (82) andthe regenerative heat exchanger (92) is introduced, as regeneration air,into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorptionelement (81). In the humidity adjusting side passageway (85), theadsorbent is heated by the second air and, as a result, water vapor isdesorbed from the adsorbent. In other words, the adsorbent isregenerated. The water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent flows, togetherwith the second air, into the third upper-right flow path (51).

[0125] The third central opening (37) of the third partition plate (34)is in the communicating state. The notched opening (77) of the thirdrotary damper (73) is oriented such that it is located upper-left andopens to the fourth upper-central flow path (65). A lower half portionof the fourth right side opening (32) is placed in the open state. Inthis state, the first air dehumidified in the second adsorption element(82) passes through the third upper-central flow path (53), the thirdcentral opening (37), the fourth upper-central flow path (65), theinside of the third rotary damper (73), and the fourth right sideopening (32) in that order, and flows into the fifth lower flow path(62).

[0126] During the flow through the fifth lower flow path (62), the firstair passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). In the secondcooling heat exchanger (94), the first air is subjected to heat exchangewith refrigerant and liberates heat to the refrigerant. And the firstair dehumidified and cooled passes through the air supply side outlet(14) and is supplied indoors.

[0127] The second upper-right opening (25) of the second partition plate(24) is in the communicating state. The notched opening (77) of thefirst rotary damper (71) is oriented such that it is located upper-rightand opens to the second upper-right flow path (43). A lower half portionof the first right side opening (22) is placed in the open state. Inthis state, the second air, which has flowed out of the first adsorptionelement (81), passes through the third upper-right flow path (51), thesecond upper-right opening (25), the second upper-right flow path (43),the inside of the first rotary damper (71), and the first right sideopening (22) in that order, and flows into the first lower flow path(42).

[0128] During the flow through the first lower flow path (42), thesecond air passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). At thistime, no refrigerant is flowing in the first cooling heat exchanger(93). Accordingly, the second air just passes through the first coolingheat exchanger (93), in other words, the second air neither absorbs norliberates heat. Thereafter, the second air passes through the airdischarge side outlet (16) and is discharged outdoors.

[0129] As described above, during the first operation, an adsorptionoperation and a cooling operation for the first adsorption element (81)are carried out while a regeneration operation for the second adsorptionelement (82) is carried out. On the other hand, during the secondoperation, a regeneration operation for the first adsorption element(81) is carried out while an adsorption operation and a coolingoperation for the second adsorption element (82) are carried out.

[0130] At that time, heat of adsorption generated in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85) of each adsorption element (81, 82) iscollected by the second air flowing through the cooling side passageway(86). Because of this, the adsorption element (81, 82) is cooled by thesecond air, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the adsorptionelement (81, 82). In other words, although water vapors contained in thefirst air will not adsorb easily onto the adsorption element (81, 82)when the relative humidity falls due to the rise in the temperature ofthe first air caused by heat of adsorption, the amount of moistureadsorbable onto the adsorption element (81, 82) is secured because thetemperature rise of the first air is suppressed by adsorption-heatabsorption by the second air and the drop in relative humidity can beheld low. In addition, room air (RA) is used as second air constitutingcooling air, whereby the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) iscooled efficiently.

[0131] On the other hand, when the amount of moisture adsorption in thehumidity adjusting side passageway (85) increases, regeneration air isforced to flow, as second air, through the humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85). As a result, moisture present in the humidity adjustingside passageway (85) is discharged to the second air, whereby theadsorption element (81, 82) is regenerated.

[0132] In the way as described above, as cooling air flowing through theadsorption element (81, 82) during the cooling mode of operation, mixedair (RA+OA) which is a combination of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA)is used. As a result of such arrangement, it becomes possible toefficiently cool the adsorption element (81, 82) and to prevent theoccurrence of performance decrement.

[0133] Humidification Operating Mode

[0134] During the humidification operating mode, mixed air (RA+OA) madeup of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) is humidified and then issupplied into an indoor space. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the airsupply fan (95) is activated in the humidification operating mode, mixedair (RA+OA), i.e., a combination of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA),is taken into the inside of the casing (10) through the air supply sideinlet (13). The mixed air (RA+OA) flows, as second air which constitutescooling air and regeneration air, into the first upper flow path (41).On the other hand, when the air discharge fan (96) is activated, roomair (OA) is taken into the inside of the casing (10) through the airdischarge side inlet (15). The room air (RA) flows, as first air whichconstitutes adsorption air, into the fifth upper flow path (61).

[0135] Furthermore, in the humidification operating mode, refrigerationcycles are carried out in the refrigerant circuit, in which theregenerative heat exchanger (92) operates as a condenser and the firstcooling heat exchanger (93) operates as an evaporator. Stated anotherway, no refrigerant flows in the second cooling heat exchanger (94) inthe humidification operating mode. And, the humidification operatingmode of the air conditioning apparatus is performed by repeating firstand second operations in alternation.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 7, the first operation of the humidificationoperating mode will be described. In the first operation, an adsorptionoperation and a cooling operation for the first adsorption element (81)are carried out while a regeneration operation for the second adsorptionelement (82) is carried out. In other words, in the first operation, airis humidified in the second adsorption element (82) and the adsorbent ofthe first adsorption element (81) adsorbs water vapor.

[0137] In addition, in the first operation, the second lower-rightopening (26), the second upper-left opening (28), and the secondlower-left opening (29) are closed in the second partition plate (24).Furthermore, the third upper-right opening (35), the third centralopening (37), and the third lower-left opening (39) are closed in thethird partition plate (34).

[0138] An upper half portion of the first right side opening (22) isplaced in the open state. The notched opening (77) of the first rotarydamper (71) is oriented such that it is located upper-right and opens tothe second upper-right flow path (43). The second upper-right opening(25) of the second partition plate (24) is in the communicating state.In this state, the second air, which has flowed into the first upperflow path (41), passes through the first right side opening (22), theinside of the first rotary damper (71), the second upper-right flow path(43), and the second upper-right opening (25) in that order, and flowsinto the third upper-right flow path (51).

[0139] An upper half portion of the fourth right side opening (32) isplaced in the open state. The notched opening (77) of the third rotarydamper (73) is oriented such that it is located lower-right and opens tothe fourth lower-right flow path (64). The third lower-right opening(36) of the third partition plate (34) is in the communicating state. Inthis state, the first air, which has flowed into the fifth upper flowpath (61), passes through the fourth right side opening (32), the insideof the third rotary damper (73), the fourth lower-right flow path (64),and the third lower-right opening (36) in that order, and flows into thethird lower-right flow path (52).

[0140] As shown in FIG. 4A, the humidity adjusting side passageway (85)of the first adsorption element (81) is in communication with the thirdlower-right flow path (52) as well as with the third upper-central flowpath (53). The cooling side passageway (86) of the first adsorptionelement (81) is in communication with the third upper-right flow path(51) as well as with the third lower-central flow path (54). On theother hand, the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the secondadsorption element (82) is in communication with the third lower-centralflow path (54) as well as with the third upper-left flow path (55). Thecooling side passageway (86) of the second adsorption element (82) is incommunication with the third upper-central flow path (53) as well aswith the third lower-left flow path (56).

[0141] In this state, the first air flows, as adsorption air, into thehumidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element(81) from the third lower-right flow path (52). During the flow throughthe humidity adjusting side passageway (85), water vapor contained inthe first air is adsorbed onto the adsorbent. The first air dehumidifiedin the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) flows into the thirdupper-central flow path (53).

[0142] On the other hand, the second air flows into the cooling sidepassageway (86) of the first adsorption element (81) from the thirdupper-right flow path (51). During the flow through the cooling sidepassageway (86), the second air absorbs heat of adsorption generatedwhen the water vapor was adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85). In other words, the second air flows, ascooling air, through the cooling side passageway (86). The second air,which has robbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the thirdlower-central flow path (54). During the flow through the thirdlower-central flow path (54), the second air passes through theregenerative heat exchanger (92). In the regenerative heat exchanger(92), the second air is subjected to heat exchange with refrigerant andabsorbs heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

[0143] The second air heated in the first adsorption element (81) andthe regenerative heat exchanger (92) is introduced, as regeneration air,into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the secondadsorption element (82). In the humidity adjusting side passageway (85),the adsorbent is heated by the second air and, as a result, water vaporis desorbed from the adsorbent. In other words, the adsorbent isregenerated. And, the water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent is givento the second air and the second air is humidified accordingly. Thesecond air humidified in the second adsorption element (82) flows intothe third upper-left flow path (55).

[0144] The third upper-left opening (38) of the third partition plate(34) is in the communicating state. The notched opening (77) of thefourth rotary damper (74) is oriented such that it is located upper-leftand opens to the fourth upper-left flow path (67). A lower half portionof the fourth left side opening (33) is placed in the open state. Inthis state, the second air humidified in the second adsorption element(82) passes through the third upper-left flow path (55), the thirdupper-left opening (38), the fourth upper-left flow path (67), theinside of the fourth rotary damper (74), and the fourth left sideopening (33) in that order, and then flows into the fifth lower flowpath (62).

[0145] During the flow through the fifth lower flow path (62), thesecond air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). Atthis time, no refrigerant is flowing in the second cooling heatexchanger (94). Accordingly, the second air just passes through thesecond cooling heat exchanger (94), in other words the second airneither absorbs nor liberates heat. And, the second air heated andhumidified passes through the air supply side outlet (14) and issupplied indoors.

[0146] The second central opening (27) of the second partition plate(24) is in the communicating state. The notched opening (77) of thesecond rotary damper (72) is oriented such that it is located upperright and opens to the second upper-central flow path (45). A lower halfportion of the first left side opening (23) is placed in the open state.In this state, the first air dehumidified in the first adsorptionelement (81) passes through the third upper-central flow path (53), thesecond central opening (27), the second upper-central flow path (45),the inside of the second rotary damper (72), and the first left sideopening (23) in that order, and flows into the first lower flow path(42).

[0147] During the flow through the first lower flow path (42), the firstair passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). In the firstcooling heat exchanger (93), the first air is subjected to heat exchangewith refrigerant, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit absorbsheat from the first air and evaporates. Thereafter, the first air passesthrough the air discharge side outlet (16) and is discharged outdoors.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 8, the second operation of the humidificationoperating mode will be described. In the second operation, an adsorptionoperation and a cooling operation for the second adsorption element (82)are carried out while a regeneration operation for the first adsorptionelement (81) is carried out. In other words, in the second operation,air is humidified in the first adsorption element (81) and the adsorbentof the second adsorption element (82) adsorbs water vapor.

[0149] In the second operation, the second upper-right opening (25), thesecond lower-right opening (26), and the second lower-left opening (29)are closed in the second partition plate (24). Furthermore, the thirdlower-right opening (36), the third central opening (37), and the thirdupper-left opening (38) are closed in the third partition plate (34).

[0150] An upper half portion of the first left side opening (23) isplaced in the open state. The notched opening (77) of the second rotarydamper (72) is oriented such that it is located upper-left and opens tothe second upper-left flow path (47). The second upper-left opening (28)of the second partition plate (24) is in the communicating state. Inthis state, the second air, which has flowed into the first upper flowpath (41), passes through the first left side opening (23), the insideof the second rotary damper (72), the second upper-left flow path (47),and the second upper-left opening (28) in that order, and then flowsinto the third upper-left flow path (55).

[0151] An upper half portion of the fourth left side opening (33) isplaced in the open state. The notched opening (77) of the fourth rotarydamper (74) is oriented such that it is located lower-left and opens tothe fourth lower-left flow path (68). The third lower-left opening (39)of the third partition plate (34) is in the communicating state. In thisstate, the first air, which has flowed into the fifth upper flow path(61), passes through the fourth left side opening (33), the inside ofthe fourth rotary damper (74), the fourth lower-left flow path (68), andthe third lower-left opening (39) in that order, and then flows into thethird lower-left flow path (56).

[0152] At the time of switching from the first operation to the secondoperation, the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorptionelement (82) are rotated through an angle of 90 degrees (see FIG. 4B).And, as shown in FIG. 4C, the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) ofthe second adsorption element (82) is in communication with the thirdlower-left flow path (56) as well as with the third upper-central flowpath (53). The cooling side passageway (86) of the second adsorptionelement (82) is in communication with the third upper-left flow path(55) as well as with the third lower-central flow path (54). On theother hand, the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the firstadsorption element (81) is in communication with the third lower-centralflow path (54) as well as with the third upper-right flow path (51). Thecooling side passageway (86) of the first adsorption element (81) is incommunication with the third upper-central flow path (53) as well aswith the third lower-right flow path (52).

[0153] In this state, the first air flows, as adsorption air, into thehumidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element(82) from the third lower-left flow path (56). During the flow throughthe humidity adjusting side passageway (85), water vapor contained inthe first air is adsorbed onto the adsorbent. The first air dehumidifiedin the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) flows into the thirdupper-central flow path (53).

[0154] Meanwhile, the second air flows into the cooling side passageway(86) of the second adsorption element (82) from the third upper-leftflow path (55). During the flow through the cooling side passageway(86), the second air absorbs heat of adsorption produced when the watervapor is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85). In other words, the second air flows, as cooling air,through the cooling side passageway (86). The second air, which hasrobbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the third lower-central flowpath (54). During the flow through the third lower-central flow path(54), the second air passes through the regenerative heat exchanger(92). In the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air issubjected to heat exchange with refrigerant and absorbs heat ofcondensation of the refrigerant.

[0155] The second air heated in the second adsorption element (82) andthe regenerative heat exchanger (92) is introduced, as regenerating air,into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorptionelement (81). In the humidity adjusting side passageway (85), theadsorbent is heated by the second air and, as a result, water vapor isdesorbed from the adsorbent. In other words, the adsorbent isregenerated. And, the water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent is givento the second air and, as a result, the second air is humidified. Thesecond air humidified in the first adsorption element (81) flows intothe third upper-right flow path (51).

[0156] The third upper-right opening (35) of the third partition plate(34) is in the communicating state. The notched opening (77) of thethird rotary damper (73) is oriented such that it is located upper-rightand opens to the fourth upper-right flow path (63). A lower half portionof the fourth right side opening (32) is placed in the open state. Inthis state, the second air humidified in the first adsorption element(81) passes through the third upper-right flow path (51), the thirdupper-right opening (35), the fourth upper-right flow path (63), theinside of the third rotary damper (73), and the fourth right sideopening (32) in that order, and then flows into the fifth lower flowpath (62).

[0157] During the flow through the fifth lower flow path (62), thesecond air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). Atthis time, no refrigerant is flowing in the second cooling heatexchanger (94). Accordingly, the second air just passes through thesecond cooling heat exchanger (94), in other words, the second airneither absorbs nor liberates heat. And, the second air heated andhumidified passes through the air supply side outlet (14) and issupplied indoors.

[0158] The second central opening (27) of the second partition plate(24) is in the communicating state. The notched opening (77) of thefirst rotary damper (71) is oriented such that it is located upper-leftand opens to the second upper-central flow path (45). A lower halfportion of the first right side opening (22) is placed in the openstate. In this state, the first air dehumidified in the secondadsorption element (82) passes through the third upper-central flow path(53), the second central opening (27), the second upper-central flowpath (45), the inside of the first rotary damper (71), and the firstright side opening (22) in that order, and then flows into the firstlower flow path (42).

[0159] During the flow through the first lower flow path (42), the firstair passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). The first airis subjected to heat exchange with refrigerant in the first cooling heatexchanger (93) and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit absorbsheat from the first air and evaporates. Thereafter, the first air passesthrough the air discharge side outlet (16) and is discharged outdoors.

[0160] As has been described above, during the first operation, anadsorption operation and a cooling operation for the first adsorptionelement (81) are carried out, while a regeneration operation for thesecond adsorption element (82) is carried out. On the other hand, duringthe second operation, a regeneration operation for the first adsorptionelement (81) is carried out while an adsorption operation and a coolingoperation for the second adsorption element (82) are carried out. Atthat time, heat of adsorption generated in the humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82) is collected by thesecond air flowing through the cooling side passageway (86). Because ofsuch arrangement, the adsorption element (81, 82) is cooled by thesecond air, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the adsorptionelement (81, 82).

[0161] Effects of First Embodiment

[0162] In the first embodiment, heat of adsorption, generated in thehumidity adjusting side passageway (85) of each of the first and secondadsorption elements (81, 82) when dehumidifying the first air, iscollected by mixed air (RA+OA), i.e., a combination of room air (RA) andoutdoor air (OA), as second air. As a result of such arrangement, evenwhen the outside temperature is high during the dehumidificationoperating mode, it becomes possible to suppress the temperature rise ofthe adsorption element (81, 82) by making utilization of mixed air (RA tOA) lower in temperature than outdoor air (OA). Because of sucharrangement, the drop in adsorption performance of the adsorptionelement (81, 82) is suppressed in comparison with the conventionalapparatuses, and the amount of moisture adsorbable by the adsorptionelement (81, 82) is secured sufficiently.

[0163] If outdoor air (OA) is heated and then supplied into the roomduring extremely cold climate conditions, this increases the amount ofheating applied by the regenerative heat exchanger (92). On thecontrary, in the present embodiment, mixed air (RA+OA) composed of roomair (RA) and outdoor air (RA) is humidified and then supplied into anindoor space during the humidification operating mode, as a result ofwhich arrangement the amount of heating applied by the regenerative heatexchanger (92) is reduced, thereby making it possible to effectivelyperform operations.

[0164] By way of example, the description has been made in which mixedair (RA+OA) composed of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) is used ascooling air in the first embodiment. However, the use of either room air(RA) or conditioned air (CA) as cooling air during the dehumidificationoperating mode enhances the cooling performance of the adsorptionelements (81, 82) and therefore prevents the adsorption elements (81,82) from deteriorating in their adsorption performance. Especially inthe case where conditioned air (CA) is used as cooling air, theadsorption elements (81, 82) are cooled by air much lower in temperaturethan the room air (RA), whereby the cooling performance of theadsorption elements (81, 82) is improved to a further extent and itbecomes possible to prevent, without fail, the drop in adsorptionperformance due to the generation of heat of adsorption during theadsorption operation.

[0165] Modification Example of First Embodiment

[0166] As the mixed air (RA+OA), air as result of mixing of room air(RA) and outdoor air (OA) at a predetermined mixing rate according tothe temperature of the room air (RA) and the temperature of the outdoorair (OA) may be used. Cooling performance can be adjusted by varying themixing rate of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA). For example, in thecase where outdoor air (OA) is used as cooling air and the cooling airis heated so that it serves as the regenerating air, cooling performancecan be improved if the temperature of the cooling air is low, but on theother hand the COP falls due to the regenerative heating. On thecontrary, if mixed air (RA+OA) composed of room air (RA) and outdoor air(OA) is used and the mixing rate is varied, this maintains a balancebetween the cooling performance and the regeneration efficiency.

[0167] In addition, as cooling air, mixed air as a result of mixing ofroom air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) at a predetermined mixing rateaccording to the temperature of the room air (RA) and the temperature ofindoor supply air (SA) may be used. Also in this case, substantially thesame effects as those obtained when the mixing rate is set based on thedifference in temperature between the room air (RA) and the outdoor air(OA) are obtained.

[0168] Furthermore, as the cooling air, mixed air as a result of mixingof room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) at a predetermined mixing rateaccording to the humidity of the room air (RA) and the humidity of theoutdoor air (OA) may be used. In the case where cooling air is heated sothat it serves as the regenerating air, regenerative performance fallsif high-humidity air is used on the regenerative side. On the contrary,the aforesaid arrangement enables regeneration with humidity-controlledair, thereby making it possible to suppress the drop in regenerativeperformance.

[0169] Embodiment 2

[0170] An air conditioning apparatus according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention is provided with two adsorption elements (81, 82),performs a so-called batch operation, and is so constructed as tooperate switchably between a dehumidification operating mode and ahumidification operating mode. Such arrangements are the same as thefirst embodiment. The air conditioning apparatus of the presentembodiment is able to perform, in addition to the dehumidification andhumidification operating modes, an outside air cooling operating mode inwhich outdoor air (OA) taken inside is supplied indoors as it is. Inaddition, in the air conditioning apparatus of the present invention,switching between a first operation and a second operation isestablished with the adsorption elements (81, 82) fixed in position.

[0171] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the air conditioning apparatus ofthe present embodiment has a somewhat flat, rectangularparallelepiped-shaped casing (10). The casing (10) houses, in additionto the two adsorption elements (81, 82), a single refrigerant circuit.These adsorption elements (81, 82) and the refrigerant circuit aresimilar in construction to their counterparts of the first embodiment.

[0172] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the casing (10) is provided with anoutdoor side panel (11) which is a nearest side panel, and an indoorside panel (12) which is a farthest side panel. An air supply side inlet(13) is formed to the right end of the outdoor side panel (11). An airdischarge side outlet (16) is formed to the left end of the outdoor sidepanel (11). On the other hand, an air supply side outlet (14) is formedin an upper-right corner of the indoor side panel (12), and an airdischarge side inlet (15) is formed in a lower-left corner of the indoorside panel (12).

[0173] First to fourth partition members (100, 120, 130, 140) aredisposed sequentially from near to far side in the housing (10). Theinterior space of the casing (10) is partitioned front-to-rear by thesepartition panels (100, 120, 130, 140).

[0174] The space between the outdoor side panel (11) and the firstpartition member (100) is divided into an upper-situated, first upperflow path (171) and a lower-situated, first lower flow path (172). Thefirst upper flow path (171) is brought into communication with anoutdoor space by the air discharge side outlet (16). The first upperflow path (171) is provided with an air discharge fan (96) and a firstcooling heat exchanger (93). The first lower flow path (172) is broughtinto communication with the outdoor space by the air supply side inlet(13). The first lower flow path (172) is provided with an air supply fan(95).

[0175] Of the space defined between the outdoor side panel (11) and thefirst partition member (100), an enclosed space to the left end servesas a machine room. The compressor (91) of the refrigerant circuit isdisposed in the machine room.

[0176] The first partition member (100) is made up of a firstright-front partition plate (101), a first left-front partition plate(102), a first right-side partition plate (104), a first left-sidepartition plate (105), and a first vertical partition plate (103).

[0177] Each of the first right-front partition plate (101) and the firstleft-front partition plate (102) is shaped like a vertically-elongatedrectangle (longer than it is wide) having longer sides and shortersides, wherein each longer side is substantially as long as the heightof the casing (10) while each shorter side has a length of aboutone-fourth of the lateral width of the casing (10). The firstright-front partition plate (101) is standingly arranged to the right ofthe casing (10) in such orientation that it runs parallel with theoutdoor side panel (11). The first left-front partition plate (102) isstandingly arranged to the left of the casing (10) in such orientationthat it runs parallel with the outdoor side panel (11).

[0178] Each of the first right-side partition plate (104) and the firstleft-side partition plate (105) is shaped like a vertically-elongatedrectangle having longer sides and shorter sides wherein each longer sideis substantially as long as the height of the casing (10). A longer sideof the first right-side partition plate (104) situated on the near sidematches with a left-side longer side of the first right-front partitionplate (101) and the first right-side partition plate (104) is standinglyarranged so as to be oriented orthogonally to the first right-frontpartition plate (101). The first right-side partition plate (104) isprovided, at its upper portion, a first upper-right opening (111) and isfurther provided, at its lower portion, a first lower-right opening(112). A longer side of the first left-side partition plate (105)situated on the near side matches with a right-side longer side of thefirst left-front partition plate (102) and the first left-side partitionplate (105) is standingly arranged so as to be oriented orthogonally tothe first left-front partition plate (102). The first left-sidepartition plate (105) is provided, at its upper portion, a firstupper-left opening (114) and is further provided, at its lower portion,a first lower-left opening (115).

[0179] The first vertical partition plate (103) is shaped like alaterally-elongated rectangle (wider than it is long) having longersides and shorter sides, wherein each longer side is substantially aslong as the lateral width of the casing (10) while each shorter side isas long as the shorter sides of the first right- and left-side partitionplates (104, 105). The first vertical partition plate (103) is soarranged as to be oriented orthogonally to each of the first right-frontpartition plate (101), the first left-front partition plate (102), thefirst right-side partition plate (104), and the first left-sidepartition plate (105). The first vertical partition plate (103) isdisposed at a level corresponding to the middle of the height of thecasing (10). Furthermore, the first vertical partition plate (103) isprovided, at its portion situated on the right side of the firstright-side partition plate (104), with a first right vertical opening(113) and is further provided, at its portion situated on the left sideof the first left-side partition plate (105), with a first left verticalopening (116).

[0180] A second upper-right flow path (173), a second lower-right flowpath (174), a second upper-central flow path (175), a secondlower-central flow path (176), a second upper-left flow path (177), anda second lower-left flow path (178) are formed divisionally in thecasing (10) by the first partition member (100). More specifically, onthe right side of the first right-side partition plate (104), the secondupper-right flow path (173) is formed above the first vertical partitionplate (103) and the second lower-right flow path (174) is formed underthe first vertical partition plate (103). Between the first right-sidepartition plate (104) and the first left-side partition plate (105), thesecond upper-central flow path (175) is formed above the first verticalpartition palate (103) and the second lower-central flow path (176) isformed under the first vertical partition plate (103). On the left sideof the first left-side partition plate (105), the second upper-left flowpath (177) is formed above the first vertical partition plate (103) andthe second lower-left flow path (178) is formed under the first verticalpartition plate (103).

[0181] The second upper-right flow path (173) and the secondupper-central flow path (175) are allowed to communicate with each otherby the first upper-right opening (111). The second lower-right flow path(174) and the second lower-central flow path (176) are allowed tocommunicate with each other by the first lower-right opening (112). Thesecond upper-right flow path (173) and the second lower-right flow path(174) are allowed to communicate with each other by the first rightvertical opening (113). These openings (111, 112, 113) are opened andshut by respective opening/closing shutters which are switchingmechanisms.

[0182] The second upper-left flow path (177) and the secondupper-central flow path (175) are allowed to communicate with each otherby the first upper-left opening (114). The second lower-left flow path(178) and the second lower-central flow path (176) are allowed tocommunicate with each other by the first lower-left opening (115). Thesecond upper-left flow path (177) and the second lower-left flow path(178) are allowed to communicate with each other by the first leftvertical opening (116). These openings (114, 115, 116) are opened andshut by respective opening/closing shutters which are switchingmechanisms.

[0183] Neither the space between the second upper-central flow path(175) and the first upper flow path (171) nor the space between thesecond lower-central flow path (176) and the first lower flow path (172)is partitioned by the first partition member (100). Accordingly, thesecond upper-central flow path (175) constantly communicates with thefirst upper flow path (171) and the second lower-central flow path (176)constantly communicates with the first lower flow path (172).

[0184] The two adsorption elements (81, 82) are arranged side by side ina lateral row between the second partition member (120) and the thirdpartition member (130). More specifically, the first adsorption element(81) is disposed to the right and the second adsorption element (82) isdisposed to the left. These adsorption elements (81, 82) are arranged inparallel in such orientation that their respective longitudinaldirections correspond to the longitudinal direction of the casing (10).In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the adsorption elements (81, 82) aredisposed in such orientation that their end surfaces each form a rhombicshape as a result of rotation of a square shape for an angle of 45degrees. In other words, the adsorption elements (81, 82) are arrangedin such orientation that one end-surface diagonal line of the adsorptionelement (81) is collinear with its corresponding end-surface diagonalline of the adsorption element (82).

[0185] Furthermore, the regenerative heat exchanger (92) of therefrigerant circuit and a switch shutter (160) are disposed between thesecond partition member (120) and the third partition member (130). Theregenerative heat exchanger (92) is shaped like a flat plate. Therear-to-front length of the regenerative heat exchanger (92) issubstantially the same as the rear-to-front length of the adsorptionelements (81, 82). The regenerative heat exchanger (92) is disposedsubstantially horizontally between the first adsorption element (81) andthe second adsorption element (82). Additionally, the regenerative heatexchanger (92) is disposed on a straight line that links together an endsurface center of the first adsorption element (81) and an end surfacecenter of the second adsorption element (82). And, air flows in avertical direction through the regenerative heat exchanger (92).

[0186] The switch shutter (160), comprised of a shutter plate (162) anda pair of side plates (161), constitutes a switching mechanism. Each ofthe side plates (161) is shaped like a semicircular plate. The diameterof each side plate (161) is substantially the same as the right-to-leftwidth of the regenerative heat exchanger (92). The side plates (161) aredisposed along near- and far-side end surfaces of the regenerative heatexchanger (92), respectively. On the other hand, the shutter plate (162)extends from one of the side plates (161) to another side plate (161).The shutter plate (162) is shaped like a curved plate curving along aperipheral edge of each side plate (161). The center angle of the curvedsurface of the shutter plate (162) is 90 degrees. The shutter plate(162) covers a horizontal half portion of the regenerative heatexchanger (92). Furthermore, the shutter plate (162) is so constructedas to move along a peripheral edge of the side plate (161). And, theswitch shutter (160) is switched between a first state in which theshutter plate (162) covers a right half portion of the regenerative heatexchanger (92) (see FIG. 11A) and a second state in which the shutterplate (162) covers a left half portion of the regenerative heatexchanger (92) (see FIG. 11B).

[0187] The space between the second partition member (120) and the thirdpartition member (130) is divided into an upper space and a lower space.Each of the upper and lower spaces is divided, by the first and secondadsorption elements (81, 82) and the switch shutter (160), into a leftsection and a right section. More specifically, divisionally formed onthe right side of the first adsorption element (81) are anupper-situated, third upper-right flow path (181) and a lower-situated,third lower-right flow path (182). Divisionally formed above between thefirst adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82) area third central upper-right flow path (183) on the right side of theswitch shutter (160) and a third central upper-left flow path (184) onthe left side of the switch shutter (40). Divisionally formed belowbetween the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorptionelement (82) is a third lower-central flow path (185). Divisionallyformed on the left side of the second adsorption element (82) are anupper-situated, third upper-left flow path (186) and a lower-situated,third lower-left flow path (187).

[0188] As has been described above, each adsorption element (81, 82) isprovided with the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) and thecooling side passageway (86). And, the first adsorption element (81) isdisposed in such orientation that the humidity adjusting side passageway(85) communicates with the third central upper-right flow path (183) aswell as with the third lower-right flow path (182), and the cooling sidepassageway (86) communicates with the third upper-right flow path (181)as well as with the third lower-central flow path (185). On the otherhand, the second adsorption element (82) is disposed in such orientationthat the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) communicates with thethird central upper-left flow path (184) as well as with the thirdlower-left flow path (187), and the cooling side passageway (86)communicates with the third upper-left flow path (186) as well as withthe third lower-central flow path (185).

[0189] The second partition member (120) is provided with six openings.The second upper-right opening (121) which opens in an upper-rightcorner of the second partition member (120) allows the secondupper-right flow path (173) and the third upper-right flow path (181) tocommunicate with each other. The second lower-right opening (122) whichopens in a lower-right corner of the second partition member (120)allows the second lower-right flow path (174) and the third lower-rightflow path (182) to communicate with each other. The second central rightopening (123) which opens in an upper-central area of the secondpartition member (120) situated to the right allows the secondupper-central flow path (175) and the third central upper-right flowpath (183) to communicate with each other. The second central leftopening (124) which opens in an upper-central area of the secondpartition member (120) situated to the left allows the secondupper-central flow path (175) and the third central upper-left flow path(184) to communicate with each other. The second upper-left opening(125) which opens in an upper-left corner of the second partition member(120) allows the second upper-left flow path (177) and the thirdupper-left flow path (186) to communicate with each other. Finally, thesecond lower-left opening (126) which opens in a lower-left corner ofthe second partition member (120) allows the second lower-left flow path(178) and the third lower-left flow path (187) to communicate with eachother. These openings (121, . . . ) are opened and shut by respectiveopening/closing shutters which are switching mechanisms.

[0190] The fourth partition member (140) is made up of a fourthright-rear partition plate (141), a fourth left-rear partition plate(142), a fourth right-side partition plate (144), a fourth left-sidepartition plate (145), and a fourth vertical partition plate (143).

[0191] Each of the fourth right-rear partition plate (141) and thefourth left-rear partition plate (142) is shaped like avertically-elongated rectangle (longer than it is wide) having longersides and shorter sides, wherein each longer side is substantially aslong as the height of the casing (10) while each shorter side has alength of about one-fourth of the lateral width of the casing (10). Thefourth right-rear partition plate (141) is standingly arranged to theright of the casing (10) in such orientation that it runs parallel withthe indoor side panel (12). The fourth left-rear partition plate (142)is standingly arranged to the left of the casing (10) in suchorientation that it runs parallel with the indoor side panel (12).

[0192] Each of the fourth right-side partition plate (144) and thefourth left-side partition plate (145) is shaped like avertically-elongated rectangle having longer sides and shorter sideswherein each longer side is substantially as long as the height of thecasing (10). A longer side of the first right-side partition plate (104)situated on the far side matches with a left-side longer side of thefourth right-rear partition plate (141) and the fourth right-sidepartition plate (144) is standingly arranged so as to be orientedorthogonally to the fourth right-rear partition plate (141). The fourthright-side partition plate (144) is provided, at its upper portion, afourth upper-right opening (151) and is further provided, at its lowerportion, a fourth lower-right opening (152).

[0193] A longer side of the fourth left-side partition plate (145)situated on the far side matches with a right-side longer side of thefourth left-rear partition plate (142) and the fourth left-sidepartition plate (145) is standingly arranged so as to be orientedorthogonally to the fourth left-rear partition plate (142). The fourthleft-side partition plate (145) is provided, at its upper portion, afourth upper-left opening (154) and is further provided, at its lowerportion, a fourth lower-left opening (155).

[0194] The fourth vertical partition plate (143) is shaped like alaterally-elongated rectangle (wider than it is long) having longersides and shorter sides, wherein each longer side is substantially aslong as the lateral width of the casing (10) while each shorter side isas long as the shorter sides of the fourth right- and left-sidepartition plates (144, 145). The fourth vertical partition plate (143)is so arranged as to be oriented orthogonally to each of the fourthright-rear partition plate (141), the fourth left-rear partition plate(142), the fourth right-side partition plate (144), and the fourthleft-side partition plate (145). In addition, the fourth verticalpartition plate (143) is disposed at a level corresponding to the middleof the height of the casing (10).

[0195] Furthermore, the fourth vertical partition plate (143) isprovided, at its portion situated on the right side of the fourthright-side partition plate (144), with a fourth right vertical opening(153) and is further provided, at its portion situated on the left sideof the fourth left-side partition plate (145), with a fourth leftvertical opening (156).

[0196] A fourth upper-right flow path (193), a fourth lower-right flowpath (194), a fourth upper-central flow path (195), a fourthlower-central flow path (196), a fourth upper-left flow path (197), anda fourth lower-left flow path (198) are formed divisionally in thecasing (10) by the fourth partition member (140). More specifically, onthe right side of the fourth right-side partition plate (144), thefourth upper-right flow path (193) is formed above the fourth verticalpartition plate (143) and the fourth lower-right flow path (194) isformed under the fourth vertical partition plate (143). Between thefourth right-side partition plate (144) and the fourth left-sidepartition plate (145), the fourth upper-central flow path (195) isformed above the fourth vertical partition palate (143) and the fourthlower-central flow path (196) is formed under the fourth verticalpartition plate (143). On the left side of the fourth left-sidepartition plate (145), the fourth upper-left flow path (197) is formedabove the fourth vertical partition plate (143) and the fourthlower-left flow path (198) is formed under the fourth vertical partitionplate (143).

[0197] The fourth upper-right flow path (193) and the fourthupper-central flow path (195) are allowed to communicate with each otherby the fourth upper-right opening (151). The fourth lower-right flowpath (194) and the fourth lower-central flow path (196) are allowed tocommunicate with each other by the fourth lower-right opening (152). Thefourth upper-right flow path (193) and the fourth lower-right flow path(194) are allowed to communicate with each other by the fourth rightvertical opening (153). These openings (151, 152, 153) are opened andshut by respective opening/closing shutters which are switchingmechanisms.

[0198] The fourth upper-left flow path (197) and the fourthupper-central flow path (195) are allowed to communicate with each otherby the fourth upper-left opening (154). The fourth lower-left flow path(198) and the fourth lower-central flow path (196) are allowed tocommunicate with each other by the fourth lower-left opening (155). Thefourth upper-left flow path (197) and the fourth lower-left flow path(198) are allowed to communicate with each other by the fourth leftvertical opening (156). These openings (154, 155, 156) are opened andshut by respective opening/closing shutters which are switchingmechanism.

[0199] The third partition member (130) is provided with the followingsix openings. The third upper-right opening (131) which opens in anupper-right corner of the third partition member (130) allows the thirdupper-right flow path (181) and the fourth upper-right flow path (193)to communicate with each other. The third lower-right opening (132)which opens in a lower-right corner of the third partition member (130)allows the third lower-right flow path (182) and the fourth lower-rightflow path (194) to communicate with each other. The third central rightopening (133) which opens in an upper-central portion of the thirdpartition member (130) situated to the right allows the third centralupper-right flow path (183) and the fourth upper-central flow path (195)to communicate with each other. The third central left opening (134)which opens in an upper-central portion of the third partition member(130) situated to the left allows the third central upper-left flow path(184) and the fourth upper-central flow path (195) to communicate witheach other. The third upper-left opening (135) which opens in anupper-left corner of the third partition member (130) allows the thirdupper-left flow path (186) and the fourth upper-left flow path (197) tocommunicate with each other. Finally, the third lower-left opening (136)which opens in a lower-left corner of the third partition member (130)allows the third lower-left flow path (187) and the fourth lower-leftflow path (198) to communicate with each other. These openings (151, . .. ) are opened and shut by respective opening/closing shutters which areswitching mechanisms.

[0200] The space defined between the indoor side panel (12) and thefourth partition member (140) is divided into an upper-situated, fifthupper flow path (191) and a lower-situated, fifth lower flow path (192).The fifth upper flow path (191) is brought into communication with anindoor space by the air supply side outlet (14). The fifth upper flowpath (191) is provided with a second cooling heat exchanger (94). On theother hand, the fifth lower flow path (192) is brought intocommunication with the indoor space by the air discharge side inlet(15).

[0201] Running Operation

[0202] The running operation of the above-described air conditioningapparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 11-17. As describedabove, the air conditioning apparatus performs a dehumidificationoperating mode, a humidification operating mode, and an outside aircooling operating mode in switching manner. The outside air coolingoperating mode is carried out when the temperature of outdoor air islower than that of inside air (for example during the intermediateseason).

[0203] Dehumidification Operating Mode

[0204] Also in the second embodiment, in the dehumidification operatingmode, outdoor air (OA) is dehumidified and then is supplied indoorswhile heat of adsorption generated in the adsorption element (81, 82)when dehumidifying the outdoor air (OA) is collected by mixed air(RA+OA) which is a combination of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA).

[0205] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the air supply fan (95) isactivated in the dehumidification operating mode, outdoor air (OA) istaken into the inside of the casing (10) through the air supply sideinlet (13). The outdoor air (OA) flows, as first air which constitutesadsorption air, into the first lower flow path (172). On the other hand,when the air discharge fan (96) is activated, mixed air (RA+OA) which isa combination of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) is taken into theinside of the casing (10) through the air discharge side inlet (15). Themixed air (RA+OA) flows, as second air which constitutes cooling air andregeneration air, into the fifth lower flow path (192).

[0206] Furthermore, during the dehumidification operating mode,refrigeration cycles are carried out in the refrigerant circuit, inwhich the regenerative heat exchanger (92) operates as a condenser andthe second cooling heat exchanger (94) operates as an evaporator. Statedanother way, no refrigerant flows in the first cooling heat exchanger(93) in the dehumidification operating mode. And, the dehumidificationoperating mode of the air conditioning apparatus is performed byrepeating first and second operations in alternation.

[0207] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first operation of thedehumidification operating mode will be described. In the firstoperation, an adsorption operation and a cooling operation for the firstadsorption element (81) are carried out while a regeneration operationfor the second adsorption element (82) is carried out. Stated anotherway, during the first operation, air is dehumidified in the firstadsorption element (81) simultaneously with regeneration of theadsorbent of the second adsorption element (82).

[0208] As shown in FIG. 12, in the first partition member (100), thefirst lower-right opening (112), the first upper-left opening (114), andthe first left vertical opening (116) are placed in the communicationstate, while the rest of the openings (111, 113, 115) are placed in theshutoff state. In this state: the second lower-central flow path (176)and the second lower-right flow path (174) are brought intocommunication with each other by the first lower-right opening (112);the second upper-left flow path (177) and the second upper-central flowpath (175) are brought into communication with each other by the firstupper-left opening (114); and the second upper-left flow path (177) andthe second lower-left flow path (178) are brought into communicationwith each other by the first left vertical opening (116).

[0209] In the second partition member (120), the second lower-rightopening (122) and the second lower-left opening (126) are placed in thecommunication state, while the rest of the openings (121, 123, 124, 125)are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the second lower-rightflow path (174) and the third lower-right flow path (182) are broughtinto communication with each other by the second lower-right opening(122), and the second lower-left flow path (178) and the thirdlower-left flow path (187) are brought into communication with eachother by the second lower-left opening (126).

[0210] In the switch shutter (160), the shutter plate (162) has moved toa position so that it covers a right half portion of the regenerativeheat exchanger (92). In this state, the third lower-central flow path(185) and the third central upper-left flow path (184) are brought intocommunication with each other through the regenerative heat exchanger(92).

[0211] In the third partition member (130), the third upper-rightopening (131) and the third central right opening (133) are placed inthe communication state, while the rest of the openings (132, 134, 135,136) are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the thirdupper-right flow path (181) and the fourth upper-right flow path (193)are brought into communication with each other by the third upper-rightopening (131) and the third central upper-right flow path (183) and thefourth upper-central flow path (195) are brought into communication witheach other by the third central right opening (133).

[0212] In the fourth partition member (140), the fourth lower-rightopening (152) and the fourth right vertical opening (153) are placed inthe communication state, while the rest of the openings (151, 154, 155,156) are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the fourthlower-central flow path (196) and the fourth lower-right flow path (194)are brought into communication with each other by the fourth lower-rightopening (152) and the fourth lower-right flow path (194) and the fourthupper-right flow path (193) are brought into communication with eachother by the fourth right vertical opening (153).

[0213] The first air, taken into the casing (10), flows through thefirst lower flow path (172), the second lower-central flow path (176),and the second lower-right flow path (174) in that order, passes throughthe second lower-right opening (122), and flows into the thirdlower-right flow path (182). On the other hand, the second air, takeninto the casing (10), flows through the fifth lower flow path (192), thefourth lower-central flow path (196), the fourth lower-right flow path(194), and the fourth upper-right flow path (193) in that order, passesthrough the third upper-right opening (131), and flows into the thirdupper-right flow path (181).

[0214] As also shown in FIG. 11A, the first air of the third lower-rightflow path (182) flows, as adsorption air, into the humidity adjustingside passageway (85) of the first adsorption element (81). During theflow through the humidity adjusting side passageway (85), water vaporcontained in the first air is adsorbed onto the adsorbent. The first airdehumidified in the first adsorption element (81) flows into the thirdcentral upper-right flow path (183).

[0215] On the other hand, the second air of the third upper-right flowpath (181) flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the firstadsorption element (81). During the flow through the cooling sidepassageway (86), the second air absorbs heat of adsorption generatedwhen water vapor was adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85). In other words, the second air flows, ascooling air, through the cooling side passageway (86). The second air,which has robbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the thirdlower-central flow path (185). The second air of the third lower-centralflow path (185) flows, after passing through the regenerative heatexchanger (92), into the third central upper-left flow path (184). Atthat time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air issubjected to heat exchange with refrigerant and absorbs heat ofcondensation of the refrigerant.

[0216] The second air heated in the first adsorption element (81) andthe regenerative beat exchanger (92) is introduced, as regeneration air,into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the secondadsorption element (82). In the humidity adjusting side passageway (85),the adsorbent is heated by the second air and, as a result, water vaporis desorbed from the adsorbent. In other words, the second adsorptionelement (82) is regenerated. Then, the water vapor desorbed from theadsorbent flows, together with the second air, into the third lower-leftflow path (187).

[0217] As shown in FIG. 12, the first air after dehumidification, whichhas flowed into the third central upper-right flow path (183), flowsinto the fourth upper-central flow path (195) through the third centralright opening (133) and then is delivered to the fifth upper flow path(191). During the flow through the fifth upper flow path (191), thefirst air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). In thesecond cooling heat exchanger (94), the first air is subjected to heatexchange with refrigerant and liberates heat to the refrigerant. And,the first air dehumidified and cooled passes through the air supply sideoutlet (14) for supply to an indoor space.

[0218] On the other hand, the second air, which has flowed into thethird lower-left flow path (187), flows through the second lower-leftflow path (178), the second upper-left flow path (177), and the secondupper-central flow path (175) in that order and thereafter flows intothe first upper flow path (171). During the flow through the first upperflow path (171), the second air passes through the first cooling heatexchanger (93). At this time, no refrigerant is flowing through thefirst cooling heat exchanger (93). Therefore, the second air just passesthrough the first cooling heat exchanger (93), in other words, thesecond air neither absorbs nor liberates heat. And, the second air,which was used for cooling of the first adsorption element (81) as wellas for regeneration of the second adsorption element (82), is dischargedoutdoors through the air discharge side outlet (16).

[0219] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, the second operation of thedehumidification operating mode will be described. In the secondoperation, on the contrary to the first operation, air is dehumidifiedin the second adsorption element (82) simultaneously with regenerationof the absorbent of the first adsorption element (81).

[0220] As shown in FIG. 13, in the first partition member (100), thefirst upper-right opening (111), the first right vertical opening (113),and the first lower-left opening (115) are placed in the communicationstate, while the rest of the openings (112, 114, 116) are placed in theshutoff state. In this state: the second upper-central flow path (175)and the second upper-right flow path (173) are brought intocommunication with each other by the first upper-right opening (111);the second upper-right flow path (173) and the second lower-right flowpath (174) are brought into communication with each other by the firstright vertical opening (113); and the second lower-left flow path (178)and the second lower-central flow path (176) are brought intocommunication with each other by the first lower-left opening (115).

[0221] In the second partition member (120), the second lower-rightopening (122) and the second lower-left opening (126) are placed in thecommunication state, while the rest of the openings (121, 123, 124, 125)are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the second lower-rightflow path (174) and the third lower-right flow path (182) are broughtinto communication with each other by the second lower-right opening(122) and the second lower-left flow path (178) and the third lower-leftflow path (187) are brought into communication with each other by thesecond lower-left opening (126).

[0222] In the switch shutter (160), the shutter plate (162) has moved toa position so that it covers a left half portion of the regenerativeheat exchanger (92). In this state, the third lower-central flow path(185) and the third central upper-right flow path (183) are brought intocommunication with each other through the regenerative heat exchanger(92).

[0223] In the third partition member (130), the third upper-left opening(135) and the third central left opening (134) are placed in thecommunication state, while the rest of the openings (131, 132, 133, 136)are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the third upper-leftflow path (186) and the fourth upper-left flow path (197) are broughtinto communication with each other by the third upper-left opening (135)and the third central upper-left flow path (184) and the fourthupper-central flow path (195) are brought into communication with eachother by the third central left opening (134).

[0224] In the fourth partition member (140), the fourth lower-leftopening (155) and the fourth left vertical opening (156) are placed inthe communication state, while the rest of the openings (151, 152, 153,154) are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the fourthlower-central flow path (196) and the fourth lower-left flow path (198)are brought into communication with each other by the fourth lower-leftopening (155) and the fourth lower-left flow path (198) and the fourthupper-left flow path (197) are brought into communication with eachother by the fourth left vertical opening (156).

[0225] The first air, taken into the casing (10), flows through thefirst lower flow path (172), the second lower-central flow path (176),and the second lower-left flow path (178) in that order, passes throughthe second lower-left opening (126), and flows into the third lower-leftflow path (187). On the other hand, the second air, taken into thecasing (10), flows through the fifth lower flow path (192), the fourthlower-central flow path (196), the fourth lower-left flow path (198),and the fourth upper-left flow path (197) in that order, passes throughthe third upper-left opening (135), and flows into the third upper-leftflow path (186).

[0226] As also shown in FIG. 11B, the first air of the third lower-leftflow path (187) flows, as adsorption air, into the humidity adjustingside passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82). During theflow through the humidity adjusting side passageway (85), water vaporcontained in the first air is adsorbed onto the adsorbent. The first airdehumidified by the second adsorption element (82) flows into the thirdcentral upper-left flow path (184).

[0227] On the other hand, the second air of the third upper-left flowpath (186) flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the secondadsorption element (82). During the flow through the cooling sidepassageway (86), the second air absorbs heat of adsorption generatedwhen the water vapor was adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85). In other words, the second air flows, ascooling air, through the cooling side passageway (86). The second air,which has robbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the thirdlower-central flow path (185). The second air of the third lower-centralflow path (185) flows, after passing through the regenerative heatexchanger (92), into the third central upper-right flow path (183). Atthat time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air issubjected to heat exchange with refrigerant and absorbs heat ofcondensation of the refrigerant.

[0228] The second air heated in the second adsorption element (82) andthe regenerative heat exchanger (92) is introduced into the humidityadjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element (81). Inthe humidity adjusting side passageway (85), the adsorbent is heated bythe second air and, as a result, water vapor is desorbed from theadsorbent. In other words, the first adsorption element (81) isregenerated. Then, the water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent flows,together with the second air, into the third lower-right flow path(182).

[0229] As shown in FIG. 13, the first air after dehumidification, whichhas flowed into the third central upper-left flow path (184), flows intothe fourth upper-central flow path (195) through the third central leftopening (134) and then is delivered to the fifth upper flow path (191).During the flow through the fifth upper flow path (191), the first airpasses through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). In the secondcooling heat exchanger (94), the first air is subjected to heat exchangewith refrigerant and liberates heat to the refrigerant. And, the firstair dehumidified and cooled passes through the air supply side outlet(14) and is supplied indoors.

[0230] On the other hand, the second air, which has flowed into thethird lower-right flow path (182), flows through the second lower-rightflow path (174), the second upper-right flow path (173), and the secondupper-central flow path (175) in that order and thereafter flows intothe first upper flow path (171). During the flow through the first upperflow path (171), the second air passes through the first cooling heatexchanger (93). At this time, no refrigerant is flowing through thefirst cooling heat exchanger (93). Therefore, the second air just passesthrough the first cooling heat exchanger (93), in other words, thesecond air neither absorbs nor liberates heat. And, the second air usedfor cooling of the first adsorption element (81) as well as forregeneration of the second adsorption element (82) is dischargedoutdoors through the air discharge side outlet (16).

[0231] As has been described above, during the first operation,adsorption and cooling for the first adsorption element (81) are carriedout while regeneration for the second adsorption element (82) is carriedout. On the other hand, during the second operation, regeneration forthe first adsorption element (81) is carried out while adsorption andcooling for the second adsorption element (82) are carried out. At thattime, heat of adsorption generated in the humidity adjusting sidepassageway (85) of each of the adsorption elements (81, 82) is collectedby the second air flowing through the cooling side passageway (86).Because of this, the adsorption element (81, 82) is cooled by the secondair, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the adsorption element(81, 82).

[0232] Humidification Operating Mode

[0233] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when the air supply fan (95) isactivated in the humidification operating mode, mixed air (RA+OA), i.e.,a combination of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA), is taken into theinside of the casing (10) through the air supply side inlet (13). Themixed air (RA+OA) flows, as second air which constitutes cooling air andregeneration air, into the first lower flow path (172). On the otherhand, when the air discharge fan (96) is activated, room air (OA) istaken into the inside of the casing (10) through the air discharge sideinlet (15). The room air (RA) flows, as first air which constitutesadsorption air, into the fifth lower flow path (192).

[0234] Furthermore, in the humidification operating mode, refrigerationcycles are carried out in the refrigerant circuit, in which theregenerative heat exchanger (92) operates as a condenser and the firstcooling heat exchanger (93) operates as an evaporator. Stated anotherway, no refrigerant flows in the second cooling heat exchanger (94) inthe humidification operating mode. And, the humidification operatingmode of the air conditioning apparatus is performed by repeating firstand second operations in alternation.

[0235] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, the first operation of thehumidification operating mode will be described. In the first operation,an adsorption operation and a cooling operation for the first adsorptionelement (81) are carried out while a regeneration operation for thesecond adsorption element (82) is carried out. In other words, in thefirst operation, air is humidified in the second adsorption element (82)and the adsorbent of the first adsorption element (81) adsorbs watervapor.

[0236] As shown in FIG. 14, in the first partition member (100), thefirst lower-right opening (112) and the first right vertical opening(113) are placed in the communication state, while the rest of theopenings (111, 114, 115, 116) are placed in the shutoff state. In thisstate, the second lower-central flow path (176) and the secondlower-right flow path (174) are brought into communication with eachother by the first lower-right opening (112) and the second upper-rightflow path (173) and the second lower-right flow path (174) are broughtinto communication with each other by the first right vertical opening(113).

[0237] In the second partition member (120), the second upper-rightopening (121) and the second central right opening (123) are placed inthe communication state, while the rest of the openings (122, 124, 125,126) are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the secondupper-right flow path (173) and the third upper-right flow path (181)are brought into communication with each other by the second upper-rightopening (121) and the second upper-central flow path (175) and the thirdcentral upper-right flow path (183) are brought into communication witheach other by the second central right opening (123).

[0238] In the switch shutter (160), the shutter plate (162) has moved toa position so that it covers a right half portion of the regenerativeheat exchanger (92). In this state, the third lower-central flow path(185) and the third central upper-left flow path (184) are brought intocommunication with each other through the regenerative heat exchanger(92).

[0239] In the third partition member (130), the third lower-rightopening (132) and the third lower-left opening (136) are placed in thecommunication state, while the rest of the openings (131, 133, 134, 135)are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the third lower-rightflow path (182) and the fourth lower-right flow path (194) are broughtinto communication with each other by the third lower-right opening(132) and the third lower-left flow path (187) and the fourth lower-leftflow path (198) are brought into communication with each other by thethird lower-left opening (136).

[0240] In the fourth partition member (140), the fourth lower-rightopening (152), the fourth upper-left opening (154), and the fourth leftvertical opening (156) are placed in the communication state, while therest of the openings (151, 153, 155) are placed in the shutoff state. Inthis state: the fourth lower-central flow path (196) and the fourthlower-right flow path (194) are brought into communication with eachother by the fourth lower-right opening (152); the fourth upper-centralflow path (195) and the fourth upper-left flow path (197) are broughtinto communication with each other by the fourth upper-left opening(154); and the fourth lower-left flow path (198) and the fourthupper-left flow path (197) are brought into communication with eachother by the fourth left vertical opening (156).

[0241] The first air, taken into the casing (10), flows through thefifth lower flow path (192), the fourth lower-central flow path (196),and the fourth lower-right flow path (194) in that order, passes throughthe third lower-right opening (132), and flows into the thirdlower-right flow path (182). On the other hand, the second air, takeninto the casing (10), flows through the first lower flow path (172), thesecond lower-central flow path (176), the second lower-right flow path(174), and the second upper-right flow path (173) in that order, passesthrough the second upper-right opening (121), and flows into the thirdupper-right flow path (181).

[0242] As also shown in FIG. 11A, the first air of the third lower-rightflow path (182) flows, as adsorption air, into the humidity adjustingside passageway (85) of the first adsorption element (81). During theflow through the humidity adjusting side passageway (85), water vaporcontained in the first air is adsorbed onto the adsorbent. The first airdehumidified in the first adsorption element (81) flows into the thirdcentral upper-right flow path (183).

[0243] On the other hand, the second air of the third upper-right flowpath (181) flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the firstadsorption element (81). During the flow through the cooling sidepassageway (86), the second air absorbs heat of adsorption generatedwhen the water vapor was adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85). In other words, the second air flows, ascooling air, through the cooling side passageway (86). The second air,which has robbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the thirdlower-central flow path (185). The second air of the third lower-centralflow path (1.85) flows, after passing through the regenerative heatexchanger (92), into the third central upper-left flow path (184). Atthat time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air issubjected to heat exchange with refrigerant and absorbs heat ofcondensation of the refrigerant.

[0244] The second air heated in the first adsorption element (81) andthe regenerative heat exchanger (92) is introduced, as regeneration air,into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the secondadsorption element (82). In the humidity adjusting side passageway (85),the adsorbent is heated by the second air and, as a result, water vaporis desorbed from the adsorbent. In other words, the second adsorptionelement (82) is regenerated. Then, the water vapor desorbed from theadsorbent is given to the second air, as a result of which the secondair is humidified. The second air humidified in the second adsorptionelement (82) flows into the third lower-left flow path (187).

[0245] As shown in FIG. 14, the second air after humidification, whichhas flowed into the third lower-left flow path (187), flows through thefourth lower-left flow path (198), the fourth upper-left flow path(197), and the fourth upper-central flow path (195) in that order andthereafter flows into the fifth upper flow path (191). During the flowthrough the fifth upper flow path (191), the second air passes throughthe second cooling heat exchanger (94). At this time, no refrigerant isflowing through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). Therefore, thesecond air just passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94),in other words, the second air neither absorbs nor liberates heat. And,the second air heated and humidified is supplied indoors through the airsupply side outlet (14).

[0246] On the other hand, the first air after dehumidification, whichhas flowed into the third central upper-right flow path (183), passesthrough the second upper-central flow path (175), and flows into thefirst upper flow path (171). During the flow through the first upperflow path (171), the first air passes through the first cooling heatexchanger (93). In the first cooling heat exchanger (93), the first airis subjected to heat exchange with refrigerant and liberates heat to therefrigerant. And, the dehumidified, heat-robbed first air is dischargedoutdoors through the air discharge side outlet (16).

[0247] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 15, the second operation of thehumidification operating mode will be described. In the secondoperation, adsorption and cooling for the second adsorption element (82)are carried out while regeneration for the first adsorption element (81)is carried out. In other words, in the second operation, air ishumidified in the first adsorption element (81) and the absorbent of thesecond adsorption element (82) adsorbs water vapor.

[0248] As shown in FIG. 15, in the first partition member (100), thefirst lower-left opening (115) and the first left vertical opening (116)are placed in the communication state, while the rest of the openings(111, 112, 113, 114) are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, thesecond lower-central flow path (176) and the second lower-left flow path(178) are brought into communication with each other by the firstlower-left opening (115) and the second upper-left flow path (177) andthe second lower-left flow path (178) are brought into communicationwith each other by the first left vertical opening (116).

[0249] In the second partition member (120), the second upper-leftopening (125) and the second central left opening (124) are placed inthe communication state, while the rest of the openings (121, 122, 123,126) are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the secondupper-left flow path (177) and the third upper-left flow path (186) arebrought into communication with each other by the second upper-leftopening (125) and the second upper-central flow path (175) and the thirdcentral upper-left flow path (184) are brought into communication witheach other by the second central left opening (124).

[0250] In the switch shutter (160), the shutter plate (162) has moved toa position so that it covers a left half portion of the regenerativeheat exchanger (92). In this state, the third lower-central flow path(185) and the third central upper-right flow path (183) are brought intocommunication with each other through the regenerative heat exchanger(92).

[0251] In the third partition member (130), the third lower-rightopening (132) and the third lower-left opening (136) are placed in thecommunication state, while the rest of the openings (131, 133, 134, 135)are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the third lower-rightflow path (182) and the fourth lower-right flow path (194) are broughtinto communication with each other by the third lower-right opening(132) and the third lower-left flow path (187) and the fourth lower-leftflow path (198) are brought into communication with each other by thethird lower-left opening (136).

[0252] In the fourth partition member (140), the fourth upper-rightopening (151), the fourth right vertical opening (153), and the fourthlower-left opening (155) are placed in the communication state, whilethe rest of the openings (152, 154, 156) are placed in the shutoffstate. In this state: the fourth upper-right flow path (193) and thefourth upper-central flow path (195) are brought into communication witheach other by the fourth upper-right opening (151); the fourthlower-right flow path (194) and the fourth upper-right flow path (193)are brought into communication with each other by the fourth rightvertical opening (153); and the fourth lower-central flow path (196) andthe fourth lower-left flow path (198) are brought into communicationwith each other by the fourth lower-left opening (155).

[0253] The first air, taken into the casing (10), flows through thefifth lower flow path (192), the fourth lower-central flow path (196),and the fourth lower-left flow path (198) in that order, passes throughthe third lower-left opening (136), and flows into the third lower-leftflow path (187). On the other hand, the second air, taken into thecasing (10), flows through the first lower flow path (172), the secondlower-central flow path (176), the second lower-left flow path (178),and the second upper-left flow path (177) in that order, passes throughthe second upper-left opening (125), and flows into the third upper-leftflow path (186).

[0254] As also shown in FIG. 11B, the first air of the third lower-leftflow path (187) flows, as adsorption air, into the humidity adjustingside passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82). During theflow through the humidity adjusting side passageway (85), water vaporcontained in the first air is adsorbed onto the adsorbent. The first airdehumidified in the second adsorption element (82) flows into the thirdcentral upper-left flow path (184).

[0255] On the other hand, the second air of the third upper-left flowpath (186) flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the secondadsorption element (82). During the flow through the cooling sidepassageway (86), the second air absorbs heat of adsorption generatedwhen the water vapor was adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85). In other words, the second air flows, ascooling air, through the cooling side passageway (86). The second air,which has robbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the thirdlower-central flow path (185). The second air of the third lower-centralflow path (185) flows, after passing through the regenerative heatexchanger (92), into the third central upper-right flow path (183). Atthat time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air issubjected to heat exchange with refrigerant and absorbs heat ofcondensation of the refrigerant.

[0256] The second air heated in the second adsorption element (82) andthe regenerative heat exchanger (92) is introduced, as regeneration air,into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorptionelement (81). In the humidity adjusting side passageway (85), theadsorbent is heated by the second air and, as a result, water vapor isdesorbed from the adsorbent. In other words, the first adsorptionelement (81) is regenerated. Then, the water vapor desorbed from theadsorbent is given to the second air and, as a result, the second air ishumidified. Thereafter, the second air humidified in the firstadsorption element (81) flows into the third lower-right flow path(182).

[0257] As shown in FIG. 15, the second air after humidification, whichhas flowed into the third lower-right flow path (182), flows into thefourth lower-right flow path (194), the fourth upper-right flow path(193), and the fourth upper-central flow path (195) in that order andthereafter flows into the fifth upper flow path (191). During the flowthrough the fifth upper flow path (191), the second air passes throughthe second cooling heat exchanger (94). At this time, no refrigerant isflowing through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). Therefore, thesecond air just passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94),in other words, the second air neither absorbs nor liberates heat. And,the second air heated and humidified is supplied indoors through the airsupply side outlet (14).

[0258] On the other hand, the first air dehumidified, which has flowedinto the third central upper-left flow path (184), passes through thesecond upper-central flow path (175) and flows into the first upper flowpath (171). During the flow through the first upper flow path (171), thefirst air passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). In thefirst cooling heat exchanger (93), the first air is subjected to heatexchange with refrigerant and liberates heat to the refrigerant. And,the dehumidified and heat-robbed first air is discharged outdoorsthrough the air discharge side outlet (16).

[0259] As described above, during the first operation, adsorption andcooling for the first adsorption element (81) are carries out whileregeneration for the second adsorption element (82) is carried out. Onthe other hand, during the second operation, regeneration for the firstadsorption element (81) is carried out while adsorption and cooling forthe second adsorption element (82) are carried out. At that time, heatof adsorption generated in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85)of each adsorption element (81, 82) is collected by the second airflowing through the cooling side passageway (86). Because of this, theadsorption element (81, 82) is cooled by the second air, therebysuppressing the temperature rise of the adsorption element (81, 82).

[0260] Outside Air Cooling Operating Mode

[0261] During the outside air cooling operating mode, outdoor air (OA),taken into the casing (10), is supplied indoors without passing throughthe adsorption element (81) or the adsorption element (82), while roomair (RA), taken into the casing (10), is discharged outdoors withoutpassing through the adsorption element (81) or the adsorption element(82). In addition, the compressor (91) of the refrigerant circuit is ata stop and no refrigeration cycle is carried out.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 16, the outside air cooling operating mode willbe described. Although in FIG. 16 the shutter plate (162) of the switchshutter (160) is in such a state that it covers a left half portion ofthe regenerative heat exchanger (92), the state of the switch shutter(160) can be disregarded.

[0263] In the first partition member (100), the first upper-rightopening (111), the first right vertical opening (113), and the firstlower-left opening (115) are placed in the communication state, whilethe rest of the openings (112, 114, 116) are placed in the shutoffstate. In this state: the second upper-central flow path (175) and thesecond upper-right flow path (173) are brought into communication witheach other by the first upper-right opening (111); the secondupper-right flow path (173) and the second lower-right flow path (174)are brought into communication with each other by the first rightvertical opening (113); and the second lower-left flow path (178) andthe second lower-central flow path (176) are brought into communicationwith each other by the first lower-left opening (115).

[0264] In the second partition member (120), the second lower-rightopening (122) and the second lower-left opening (126) are placed in thecommunication state, while the rest of the openings (121, 123, 124, 125)are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the second lower-rightflow path (174) and the third lower-right flow path (182) are broughtinto communication with each other by the second lower-right opening(122) and the second lower-left flow path (178) and the third lower-leftflow path (187) are brought into communication with each other by thesecond lower-left opening (126).

[0265] In the third partition member (130), the third lower-rightopening (132) and the third lower-left opening (136) are placed in thecommunication state, while the rest of the openings (131, 133, 134, 135)are placed in the shutoff state. In this state, the third lower-rightflow path (182) and the fourth lower-right flow path (194) are broughtinto communication with each other by the third lower-right opening(132) and the third lower-left flow path (187) and the fourth lower-leftflow path (198) are brought into communication with each other by thethird lower-left opening (136).

[0266] In the fourth partition member (140), the fourth lower-rightopening (152), the fourth upper-left opening (154), and the fourth leftvertical opening (156) are placed in the communication state, while therest of the openings (151, 153, 155) are placed in the shutoff state. Inthis state: the fourth lower-central flow path (196) and the fourthlower-right flow path (194) are brought into communication with eachother by the fourth lower-right opening (152); the fourth upper-centralflow path (195) and the fourth upper-left flow path (197) are broughtinto communication with each other by the fourth upper-left opening(154); and the fourth lower-left flow path (198) and the fourthupper-left flow path (197) are brought into communication with eachother by the fourth left vertical opening (156).

[0267] When the air supply fan (95) is activated, outdoor air (OA) istaken into the casing (10) through the air supply side inlet (13).Thereafter, the outdoor air (OA) flows through the first lower flow path(172), the second lower-central flow path (176), the second lower-leftflow path (178), the third lower-left flow path (187), the fourthlower-left flow path (198), the fourth upper-left flow path (197), thefourth upper-central flow path (195), and the fifth upper flow path(191) in that order, and is supplied indoors.

[0268] On the other hand, when the air discharge fan (96) is activated,room air (RA) is taken into the casing (10) through the air dischargeside inlet (15). Thereafter, the room air (RA) flows through the fifthlower flow path (192), the fourth lower-central flow path (196), thefourth lower-right flow path (194), the third lower-right flow path(182), the second lower-right flow path (174), the second upper-rightflow path (173), the second upper-central flow path (175), and the firstupper flow path (171) in that order, and is discharged outdoors throughthe air discharge side outlet (16).

[0269] Effects of Second Embodiment

[0270] Also, in the second embodiment, heat of adsorption, generated inthe humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of each of the first andsecond adsorption elements (81, 82) when dehumidifying the first air, iscollected by mixed air (RA+OA) as second air which is a combination ofroom air (RA) and outdoor air (OA), for cooling each adsorption element(81, 82). As a result of such arrangement, even when the outsidetemperature is high during the dehumidification operating mode, itbecomes possible to suppress the temperature rise of the adsorptionelement (81, 82) by making utilization of mixed air (RA+OA) lower intemperature than outdoor air (OA). Because of this, the drop inadsorption performance of the adsorption elements (81, 82) is suppressedin comparison with the conventional apparatuses, and the amount ofmoisture adsorbable by the adsorption elements (81, 82) is securedsufficiently. In addition, it becomes possible to prevent the drop inCPO in extremely cold climate conditions during the humidificationoperating mode.

[0271] Modified Examples of Second Embodiment

[0272] Also in the second embodiment, room air (RA) or conditioned air(CA) may be used as cooling air, as in the first embodiment. When themixed air (RA+OA) is used as cooling air, the mixing rate of outdoor air(OA) and room air (RA) may be adjusted in the same way as in the firstembodiment.

[0273] Embodiment 3

[0274] An air conditioning apparatus according to a third embodiment ofthe present invention is provided with a single adsorption element,i.e., an adsorption element (250). And, the air conditioning apparatusof the third embodiment performs an adsorption operation, a coolingoperation, and a regeneration operation, and is so constructed as toperform air dehumidification by the adsorption element (250)simultaneously concurrently with regeneration of the adsorbent of theadsorption element (250).

[0275] As shown in FIG. 17, the adsorption element (250) of the presentembodiment is shaped like a doughnut or like a thick cylinder. Theadsorption element (250) comprises an alternating arrangement ofhumidity adjusting side and cooling side passageways (85, 86)divisionally formed in the circumferential direction of the adsorptionelement (250). Each humidity adjusting side passageway (85) penetratesthe adsorption element (250) in the axial direction thereof. In otherwords, each of the humidity adjusting side passageways (85) opens infront and rear surfaces of the adsorption element (250). Additionally,an internal wall of the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) iscoated with an adsorbent. On the other hand, each of the cooling sidepassageways (86) penetrates the adsorption element (250) in the radialdirection thereof. In other words, each cooling side passageway (86)opens in outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the adsorption element(250).

[0276] As shown in FIG. 18, in the air conditioning apparatus, theadsorption element (250) is so disposed as to extend over an adsorptionzone (251) and a regeneration zone (252). The adsorption element (250)is driven continuously or intermittently rotationally on an axis passingthrough the center thereof.

[0277] The air conditioning apparatus is provided with a refrigerantcircuit. The refrigerant circuit is a closed circuit formed by pipingconnection of a compressor, a regenerative heat exchanger (92) whichoperates as a condenser, an expansion valve which operates as anexpansion mechanism, and a cooling heat exchanger (93) which operates asan evaporator. The regenerative heat exchanger (92) constitutes aheater. The refrigerant circuit is so formed as to perform a vaporcompression refrigeration cycle by circulation of a refrigerant charged.Only the regenerative heat exchanger (92) and the cooling heat exchanger(93) are represented diagrammatically in FIG. 18.

[0278] In the air conditioning apparatus, in a section of the adsorptionelement (250) that is being located in the adsorption zone (251),outdoor air (OA) is introduced, as first air constituting adsorptionair, to a humidity adjusting side passageway (85) corresponding to thesection, while room air (RA) is introduced, as second air constitutingcooling air, into a cooling side passageway (86) corresponding to thesection. During that time, the second air is fed to the cooling sidepassageway (86) from the side of the inner peripheral surface of theadsorption element (250).

[0279] In the adsorption zone (251), water vapor contained in the firstair (adsorption air) is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the humidityadjusting side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (250). Heat ofadsorption is generated when water vapor is adsorbed onto the adsorbentin the humidity adjusting side passageway (85). The heat of adsorptionis collected by the second air (cooling air) flowing through the coolingside passageway (86) of the adsorption element (250).

[0280] The first air dehumidified in the adsorption zone (251) passesthrough the cooling heat exchanger (93). In the cooling heat exchanger(93), the first air is subjected to heat exchange with refrigerant andliberates heat to the refrigerant. Thereafter, the first airdehumidified and cooled is supplied indoors if the dehumidificationoperating mode is selected. If the humidification operating mode isselected, the first air, which was dehumidified and released heat, isdischarged outdoors.

[0281] On the other hand, the second air, which has robbed heat ofadsorption in the adsorption zone (251), passes through the regenerativeheat exchanger (92) as regeneration air. In the regenerative heatexchanger (92), the second air is subjected to heat exchange withrefrigerant and absorbs heat of condensation of the refrigerant. Thesecond air heated in the adsorption zone (251) and the regenerative heatexchanger (92) is introduced to a humidity adjusting side passageway(85) of the adsorption element (250) that is being located in theregeneration zone (252). With the rotational movement of the adsorptionelement (250), the section of the adsorption element (250), which wassituated in the adsorption zone (251), moves to the regeneration zone(252).

[0282] In the section of the adsorption element (250) situated in theregeneration zone (252), the adsorbent is heated by the second air in ahumidity adjusting side passageway (85) corresponding to the sectionand, as a result, water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. In otherwords, the adsorbent is regenerated. The water vapor desorbed from theadsorbent is given to the second air. Thereafter, the second air is,together with the water vapor desorbed from the absorbent, dischargedoutdoors if the dehumidification operating mode is selected. On theother hand, if the humidification operating mode is selected, the secondair heated and humidified is supplied indoors.

[0283] As has been described above, in the adsorption zone (251), anadsorption operation for the adsorption element (250) is carried outwhile in the regeneration zone (252) a regeneration operation for theadsorption element (250) is carried out. At that time, heat ofadsorption, generated in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) ofthe adsorption elements (250) is collected by the second air flowingthrough the cooling side passageway (86). Because of this, theadsorption element (250) is cooled by the second air and the temperaturerise of the adsorption element (250) is suppressed.

[0284] In the present embodiment, heat of adsorption, generated in thehumidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (81,82) when dehumidifying the first air, is collected by room air (RA)serving as second air, whereby the adsorption element (81, 82) iscooled. As a result of such arrangement, even when the outsidetemperature is high it becomes possible to suppress the temperature riseof the adsorption element (250) because of use of the room air (RA)lower in temperature than the outdoor air (OA). Besides, the drop inadsorption performance of the adsorption element (81, 82) is suppressedin comparison with the conventional apparatuses, and the amount ofmoisture adsorbable by the adsorption element (81, 82) is securedsufficiently.

[0285] In addition, also in the present embodiment, as second airconstituting cooling air, conditioned air (CA) or mixed air (RA+OA)composed of room air (RA) and outdoor air (OA) may be used.

[0286] Other Embodiments

[0287] It is possible to embody the present invention not only in theforegoing manners but also in other various manners.

[0288] In the first and second embodiments the adsorption element isshaped like a rectangular parallelepiped and in the third embodiment theadsorption element is shaped like a disk, which, however, should not inany way be deemed restrictive. For example, the adsorption element maybe shaped like a hexagonal prism or other form.

[0289] In addition, in each of the foregoing embodiments, the amount ofair supply into the room may equal the amount of air discharge tooutside the room, or they may not necessarily be the same.

[0290] For example, FIG. 19A shows an example of a system in which theratio of the air volume of outdoor air (OA) as first air to the airvolume of mixed air (RA+OA) as second air is 1:1, and the ratio of theair volume of supply air (SA) to the air volume of exhaust air (EA) is1:1. In other words, if the air volume of outdoor air (OA) as first airis 100, then the air volume of each of mixed air (RA+OA), supply air(SA), and exhaust air (EA) is also 100. In this case, if the outdoor air(OA) is not included in the mixed air (RA+OA), this constitutes a systemin which the outdoor air (OA) and the room air (RA) are counterchangedequally in amount. If the outdoor air (OA) is included in the mixed air(RA+OA), this constitutes an air-supply overload system.

[0291] In addition, FIG. 19B shows an example in which the mixed air(RA+OA) is 100+α, the supply air (SA) is 100, and the exhaust air (EA)is 100+α, for the outdoor air (OA) as first air=100. In this case, theoutdoor air (OA) and the room air (RA) are counterchanged equally inamount.

[0292] In addition, FIG. 19C shows an example in which the mixed air(RA+OA) is 50+α, the supply air (SA) is 100, and the exhaust air (EA) is50+α, for the outdoor air (OA) as first air=100. This case constitutesan air-supply overload system.

[0293] Furthermore, the system configurations, shown in FIGS. 19B and19C may be modified so that part of the second air is discharged asshown in FIGS. 19D and 19E. Such arrangement makes it possible tocontrol the volume of regeneration air.

[0294] Although each of the examples of FIG. 19 illustrates air volumecontrol during the dehumidification operating mode, it is possible toperform air volume control during the humidification operating mode.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0295] As has been described above, the present invention is useful forair conditioning apparatuses of the desiccant type.

1. An air conditioning apparatus, comprising: a first adsorption elementhaving a humidity adjusting side passageway configured to adsorbmoisture by passage of adsorption air and desorb moisture by passage ofregeneration air; and a cooling side passageway configured and arrangedto receive room air as at least part of cooling air for absorption ofheat of adsorption generated during said adsorption in said humidityadjusting side passageway, said air conditioning apparatus beingconfigured and arranged to supply air having a humidity level of whichhas been adjusted in said humidity adjusting side passageway of saidfirst adsorption element to an indoor space.
 2. An air conditioningapparatus, comprising: a first adsorption element having a humidityadjusting side passageway configured to adsorb moisture by passage ofadsorption air and desorb moisture by passage of regeneration air; and acooling side passageway configured and arranged to receive conditionedair as at least part of cooling air for absorption of heat of adsorptiongenerated during said adsorption in said humidity adjusting sidepassageway, said air conditioning apparatus being configured andarranged to supplying air having a humidity level of which has beenadjusted in said humidity adjusting side passageway of said firstadsorption element to an indoor space.
 3. The air conditioning apparatusas set forth in claim 1, further comprising second adsorption element,said air conditioning apparatus is configured to perform a firstoperation which carries out said adsorption by forcing adsorption air toflow through said humidity adjusting side passageway of said firstadsorption element and simultaneously carries out cooling by forcingsaid cooling air to flow through said cooling side passageway of saidfirst adsorption element and, in addition, carries out regeneration byforcing regeneration air to flow through a humidity adjusting sidepassageway of said second adsorption element, said air conditioningapparatus is configured to perform a second operation which carries outadsorption by forcing adsorption air to flow through said humidityadjusting side passageway of said second adsorption element andsimultaneously carries out cooling by forcing cooling air to flowthrough a cooling side passageway of said second adsorption element and,in addition, carries out regeneration by forcing regeneration air toflow through said humidity adjusting side passageway of said firstadsorption element, and said first and second operations are executed inalternation.
 4. The air conditioning apparatus as set forth in claim 3,further comprising a switching mechanism configured to switch flowchannels of adsorption air, cooling air, and regeneration air, and saidair conditioning apparatus is configured to switch between said firstoperation and said second operation by operation of said switchingmechanism and by forcing said first and second adsorption elements torotate through a predetermined angle.
 5. The air conditioning apparatusas set forth in claim 3, further comprising. a switching mechanismconfigured to switch flow channels of adsorption air, cooling air, andregeneration air, and said air conditioning apparatus is configured toswitch between said first operation and said second operation byexecuting operation of said switching mechanism with said first andsecond adsorption elements fixed in position.
 6. The air conditioningapparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first adsorption elementis shaped like a circular disk and has a plurality of said humidityadjusting side passageways that pass completely through said firstadsorption element in a thickness-wise direction thereof and a pluralityof said cooling side passageways that pass completely through said firstadsorption element in a radial direction thereof, said first adsorptionelement is rotated around its central axis, and said air conditioningapparatus is configured to carry out adsorption by introducingadsorption air into a one of said humidity adjusting side passagewayswhich is formed in a portion of said first adsorption element andsimultaneously carry out cooling by forcing said cooling air to flowthrough a one of said cooling side passageways in association with saidone of said humidity adjusting side passageways and, in addition, carryout regeneration by introducing regeneration air into another one ofsaid humidity adjusting side passageways that is formed in anotherportion of said first adsorption element.
 7. The air conditioningapparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said air conditioningapparatus is configured to heat said cooling air of said first andsecond operations to result in said regeneration air of said first andsecond operations, respectively.
 8. The air conditioning apparatus asset forth in claim 6, wherein said air conditioning apparatus isconfigured to heat said cooling air to result in said regeneration air.9. An air conditioning apparatus, comprising: a first adsorption elementhaving a humidity adjusting side passageway configured to adsorbmoisture by passage of adsorption air and desorb moisture by passage ofregeneration air; and a cooling side passageway configured and arrangedto receive a combination of room air and outdoor air as at least part ofcooling air for absorption of heat of adsorption generated during saidadsorption in said humidity adjusting side passageway, said airconditioning apparatus being configured and arranged to supply airhaving a humidity level which has been adjusted in said humidityadjusting side passageway of said first adsorption element to an indoorspace.
 10. The air conditioning apparatus as set forth in claim 9,further comprising a second adsorption element, said air conditioningapparatus is configured to perform a first operation which carries outsaid adsorption by forcing adsorption air to flow through said humidityadjusting side passageway said first adsorption element andsimultaneously carries out cooling by forcing said cooling air to flowthrough said cooling side passageway of said first adsorption elementand, in addition, carries out regeneration by forcing regeneration airto flow through a humidity adjusting side passageway of said secondadsorption element, said air conditioning apparatus is configured toperform a second operation which carries out adsorption by forcingadsorption air to flow through said humidity adjusting side passagewayof said second adsorption element and simultaneously carries out coolingby forcing cooling air to flow through a cooling side passageway of saidsecond adsorption element and, in addition, carries out regeneration byforcing regeneration air to flow through said humidity adjusting sidepassageway of said first adsorption element, and said first and secondoperations are executed in alternation.
 11. The air conditioningapparatus as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a switchingmechanism configured to switch flow channels of adsorption air, coolingair, and regeneration air, and said air conditioning apparatus is seconfigured to switch between said first operation and said secondoperation by operation of said switching mechanism and by forcing saidfirst and second adsorption elements to rotate through a predeterminedangle.
 12. The air conditioning apparatus as set forth in claim 10,further comprising a switching mechanism configured to switch flowchannels of adsorption air, cooling air, and regeneration air, and saidair conditioning apparatus is configured to switch between said firstoperation and said second operation by executing operation of saidswitching mechanism with said first and second adsorption elements fixedin position.
 13. The air conditioning apparatus as set forth in claim 9,wherein said first adsorption element is shaped like a circular disk andhas a plurality of said humidity adjusting side passageways that passcompletely through said adsorption element in a thickness-wise directionthereof and a plurality of said cooling side passageways that passcompletely through said adsorption element in radial direction thereof,said first adsorption element is rotated around its central axis, andsaid air conditioning apparatus is configured to carry out adsorption byintroducing adsorption air into a one of said humidity adjusting sidepassageways which is formed in a portion of said first adsorptionelement and simultaneously carry out cooling by forcing said cooling airto flow through a one of said cooling side passageways in associationwith said one of said humidity adjusting side passageways and, inaddition, carry out regeneration by introducing regeneration air intoanother one of said humidity adjusting side passageways that is formedin another portion of said first adsorption element.
 14. The airconditioning apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said coolingside passageway is configured and arranged to receive said combinationof room air and outdoor air as a mixture that a results from mixing saidroom air and said outdoor air at a predetermined mixing rate accordingto a temperature of said room air and a temperature of said outdoor air.15. The air conditioning apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein saidcooling side passageway is configured and arranged to receive saidcombination of room air and outdoor air as a mixture that results frommixing said room air and said outdoor air at a predetermined mixing rateaccording to a temperature of said room air and a temperature of indoorsupply air.
 16. The air conditioning apparatus as set forth in claim 9,wherein said cooling side passageway is configured and arranged toreceive said combination of room air and outdoor air as a mixture thatresults from mixing of said room air and said outdoor air at apredetermined mixing rate according to a humidity of said room air and ahumidity of said outdoor air.
 17. The air conditioning apparatus as setforth in claim 10, wherein said air conditioning apparatus is configuredto heat said cooling air of said first and second operations to resultin said regeneration air of said first and second operations,respectively.
 18. The air conditioning apparatus as set forth in claim2, further comprising a second adsorption element, said air conditioningapparatus is configured to perform a first operation which carries outsaid adsorption by forcing adsorption air to flow through said humidityadjusting side passageway of said first adsorption element andsimultaneously carries out cooling by forcing said cooling air to flowthrough said cooling side passageway of said first adsorption elementand, in addition, carries out regeneration by forcing regeneration airto flow through a humidity adjusting side passageway of said secondadsorption element, said air conditioning apparatus is configured toperform a second operation which carries out adsorption by forcingadsorption air to flow through said humidity adjusting side passagewayof said second adsorption element and simultaneously carries out coolingby forcing cooling air to flow through a cooling side passageway of saidsecond adsorption element and, in addition, carries out regeneration byforcing regeneration air to flow through said humidity adjusting sidepassageway of said first adsorption element, and said first and secondoperations are executed in alternation.
 19. The air conditioningapparatus as set forth in claim 18, further comprising a switchingmechanism configured to switch flow channels of adsorption air, coolingair, and regeneration air, and said air conditioning apparatus isconfigured to switch between said first operation and said secondoperation by operation of said switching mechanism and by forcing saidfirst and second adsorption elements to rotate through a predeterminedangle.
 20. The air conditioning apparatus as set forth in claim 18,further comprising a switching mechanism configured to switch flowchannels of adsorption air, cooling air, and regeneration air, and saidair conditioning apparatus is configured to switch between said firstoperation and said second operation by executing operation of saidswitching mechanism with said first and second adsorption elements fixedin position.